For a moment this season, it felt like the unthinkable might be happening. Shohei Ohtani, the game’s most electrifying two-way superstar, was steering through his slump. His bat had gone quiet. Conversations swirled about his slump, and skepticism crept in, not about his talent, but whether the weight of sky-high expectations might finally be catching up to him.
Then came Friday night against the D-Backs.
Against the Diamondbacks, Ohtani not only reminded the baseball world why he’s a generational force, but he also reasserted his dominance with authority. The swing was back, the power undeniable. But what made this night different wasn’t just the stat line. Yes, for once, it wasn’t just the towering homers making headlines. This time, it was Ohtani’s on-field antics that stole the spotlight.
And just like that, Shohei Ohtani wasn’t just back. He was unmistakably present in every way.
“I’m not saying that’s what it is, but probably impossible not to notice their celebrations, lol. Life comes at you fast, eh?” MLB analyst Chad Moriyama said.
I’m not saying that’s what it is, but probably impossible to not notice their celebrations, lol. Life comes at you fast, eh? https://t.co/c0yHI1eAbe pic.twitter.com/lcW4FxnOi8
— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) May 10, 2025
Celebrations? Yes.
Shohei Ohtani stepped in to face Ryan Thompson at 11. Thompson jumped ahead in the count 1-2, but then left a breaking ball hanging on the inside corner. Ohtani turned on it in a flash, launching it deep into the right-field seats for his 12th home run of the season. As the ball soared, Ohtani flipped his bat and raised his arms in celebration, echoing the dramatic pose Arizona’s Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had struck earlier after his game-tying grand slam in the fifth.
Earlier in the game, Gurriel made a unique celebration after his grand slam, lifting both hands. The same was not replicated by Ohtani during his time. But why? This is something not related to the typical image of Ohtani. Well, let it be. Ohtani is back in the business, and that’s the news of the moment.
Typical of the historical rivalry between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks, Friday night saw another high-octane game. The tension and excitement of the game further got amplified with Ohtani’s aura! Ohtani’s three-run homer in a high-stakes scenario, with MVP chants echoing through the stadium, must have been an unforgettable experience for fans.
The Ohtani-backed Dodgers are steadily accelerating
The Dodgers seem to be hitting their stride again, especially with players like Shohei Ohtani. Well, if he’s at his best, he would be a major game-changer. His return to form is certainly offering the team a huge boost both offensively and on the mound.
The team’s ability to bounce back from an early slump has been impressive, and it’s not just Ohtani’s potential impact but also key players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw continuing to show their leadership. Their strong roster depth, with young talent and veteran leadership, definitely makes them dangerous.
The Dodgers’ dominance with RISP is a huge factor in their early success in 2025. Well, leading MLB in BA (.298) and OPS (.919) is no small feat, and it reflects their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
But, it’s important to recognize that success with RISP is often a volatile stat. A team can experience fluctuations based on various factors, including player health, clutch hitting, and overall team chemistry. While the Dodgers’ lineup has the talent to continue performing at this high level, some regression could be expected, especially if pitchers adjust to their approach or if the Dodgers face top-tier bullpens in crucial situations.
In the long run, keeping up a nearly .919 OPS in these situations will be tough, but with the depth and talent they have, the Dodgers should be well-positioned to maintain a strong performance in these clutch moments.
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