"It's because of Shohei Ohtani" - MLB analyst credits Dodgers star's incredible at-bats after late-inning rally against Braves

An MLB analyst has lauded Shohei Ohtani
An MLB analyst has lauded Shohei Ohtani's clutch impact for his team

Even if you take Shohei Ohtani out of the equation, the Los Angeles Dodgers have a stupendous lineup. However, as an MLB analyst has recently affirmed, the two-time MVP remains the crown jewel of one of baseball's most potent offenses.

In an appearance on MLB Network on Monday morning, former MLB player and current analyst Xavier Scruggs reflected on the Dodgers' Sunday game against the Braves. According to Scruggs, it continues to be Ohtani who makes the difference for his team.

"Last night Atlanta had to answer the tough question, who do you pitch to in the #Dodgers lineup? #LetsGoDodgers" - MLB Network Radio on Xirius XM

Scruggs reflected on Ohtani's double in the fifth inning. With the Dodgers trailing the Atlanta Braves 2-0, Shohei Ohtani jumped on a first pitch by Atlanta pitcher Dylan Lee, driving it down the right field line for a double.

The play broke open the game, and paved the way for another RBI double from Ohtani in the seventh. The Los Angeles Dodgers went on to win the game 9-2, but Scruggs claims that it was Shohei who served as the catalyst for the victory:

"It's because of Shohei Ohtani's at-bats that they even get an opportunity in that ninth inning"

After the pair of doubles, Ohtani now has 106 RBIs on the season, six more than he obtained in 2021 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels - his career high to date. Although he still has some work to do to become the first MLB player ever to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases, Ohtani's first season as a Dodger has been nothing short of an incredible display of talent.

Dodgers manager entertains possible use of Shohei Ohtani as pitcher in playoffs

With the postseason now mere weeks away, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has floated the idea of using Ohtani on the mound in the postseason, telling Yahoo Sports:

“Anything is possible, I hope that’s on his mind as far as motivation for his rehab. The odds of it coming to pass are very slim, but they’re not zero.”

On account of offseason surgery, Ohtani has been shut down from pitching this season. However, if he is given the green light, his otherwordly contributions to his team could soon reach a new level, in addition to the historical hitting milestone that he finds himself so close to already.

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Edited by Adrian Dorney
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