The Los Angeles Dodgers steamrolled the New York Yankees 18-2 on Saturday in a statement win that felt more like a batting practice session than a World Series rematch. But while the offense lit up the scoreboard, it was Shohei Ohtani’s quiet moment in the dugout that stole headlines, he fell asleep mid-game.
Yes, the three-time MVP was caught catching some Z’s on the bench as the Dodgers built an early 10-0 lead in just two innings. And honestly, who could blame him?
Ohtani’s Exhausting Double Duty
Before suiting up as the designated hitter and going 2-for-4, Ohtani had thrown just his second live batting practice in nearly two years. The morning session saw him toss 29 pitches across two innings, facing off against a mix of Dodgers minor leaguers and top prospects.
That’s the grind only Shohei Ohtani knows, ramping up a return to pitching form while remaining one of the league’s most dangerous hitters. With pitching injuries piling up for the Dodgers, fans might be dreaming of an early return to the mound, but the team is playing the long game.
Dodgers Prioritize October Ohtani
“I’m going to do live BPs once a week moving forward,” Ohtani said recently, adding that while it’s harder to find quality hitters on the road, he’s confident he can get the reps he needs when at home.
The goal? Get Ohtani’s arm ready for a postseason push without burning out his elite bat in the regular season. And if that means a nap during a blowout in June, so be it.
Shohei Ohtani falls asleep and the world watches, but if it means a dominant October two-way run, the Dodgers and their fans will gladly let him rest.
For the Yankees they have a lot to do, if they can take a go at the Dodgers.
