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Before each game, a team’s starting pitcher collaborates with his catcher and pitching coach to strategize for every batter in the opposing lineup.
Some strategies are straightforward: high-velocity pitches in the upper zone, a consistent mix of breaking balls low and away, and an avoidance of fastballs on the first pitch, among others.
How do opposing pitchers even begin to tackle one of the top hitters in Major League Baseball? While it isn’t an easy feat, a few pitchers and catchers recently opened up to MLB.com about their typical approach to the only 50-50 player in Major League history.
To safeguard any possible trade secrets, all players requested anonymity when speaking to MLB.com. Each is a member of a non-postseason team that faced Ohtani during the second half of this season.
In the ideal scenario for a pitcher, he might prefer to never pitch to Ohtani at all.
“If there’s an open base, you can pitch around him a bit,” one NL pitcher explained. “However, it’s the Dodgers – they have a powerful lineup. Therefore, you need to approach him wisely. Make sure you’re thinking about your pitches, as he’s trying to read you too. It’s about trying to outsmart and outwork him.”
Let’s examine how a pitcher might succeed in doing just that.
This might seem obvious, particularly with Ohtani, but it holds true for all major league hitters. While you might occasionally get lucky with a mistake against most players, with Ohtani, it’s extremely rare.
“You strive to make good pitches and hope he makes an error,” one AL pitcher remarked. “He’s very talented. He can hit well-placed pitches and will capitalize on mistakes. Top hitters excel at not squandering opportunities on mistakes, turning them into damaging hits.”
An NL pitcher added: “Avoid giving him anything that’s too easy to hit. Hit your intended spots. Don’t miss.”
So, what are the ideal “spots” to target when facing Ohtani?
“Mixing it up is essential. You cannot maintain the same speed toward the same target,” stated one AL pitcher. “It’s important to vary your pitches — going high, low, inside, and outside. You can either pitch him in reverse or quicken the pace early to set him up for breaking balls later. It’s challenging since even a mishit can result in a hit due to his incredible speed.”
Another NL pitcher added, “It’s crucial not to settle into a pattern. Avoid doubling or tripling pitches because then he starts recognizing them. Keeping him guessing and alert is your best strategy.”
Never, ever rely on a pattern.
“When facing him, the primary goal is to avoid patterns — that’s the key,” remarked another NL pitcher. “You need to move the ball high, low, inside, and outside to keep him from settling on specific pitches.”
Even with perfect sequencing, success isn’t guaranteed. Just ask this NL pitcher, who made an effort to adjust Ohtani’s eye level during an extended at-bat. After pitching low and outside to fill the count, he attempted to sneak a high — and I mean really high — fastball past Ohtani.
Ohtani crushed it for one of his 54 home runs.
“We reached a 3-2 count, and I threw a fastball at the very top — far above the zone — and he got me,” the pitcher recounted. “It was a pitch that most hitters can’t capitalize on, particularly after how we had worked him down and away — pushing his eye level all the way down and out as far as I could. I thought going high would catch him off guard, but he managed to get the barrel on it.”
OK, so we understand what not to do, but … what are the right pitches?
Ohtani can capitalize on any pitch type — just take a look at Baseball Savant’s run value metrics. This season, Ohtani recorded a +24 Run Value against four-seam fastballs, the second-highest value among hitters for any pitch type (Aaron Judge leads with +34 against four-seamers). But examining Ohtani’s other run values shows +17 against sliders, +10 against sinkers, +8 against changeups, +7 against curveballs, and +7 against splitters.
“It’s two-seam fastballs inside, changeups low,” remarked one NL pitcher. “The outer half is fairly open, but don’t make a mistake. You’ll get punished. Just focus on the outer half.”
“Examining his heat maps, it’s clear that there aren’t many gaps in his swing. He adeptly covers the entire zone and has considerable slugging power throughout it,” explained another NL pitcher. “From my perspective, the optimal strategy is to work below the zone with breaking balls. He’s particularly effective at hitting pitches that are elevated — any sort of mistake will be capitalized on.”
Recognizing that Ohtani has very few true weaknesses, some pitchers choose to confront strength with strength.
“You truly have to challenge him and deliver your best pitches,” indicated another NL pitcher. “Your only chance lies in not backing down from these hitters. Attack them with your best stuff and see how it unfolds.”
This sentiment was echoed frequently. You make your pitch, and then …
“You just hope for the best,” expressed one NL catcher. “Essentially, that’s the only strategy you have.”
An AL pitcher added, “If he manages to make contact, you hope it remains within the park. It’s all about guessing, and you can only hope you guess correctly.”
Ultimately, there’s a limit to what can be done to counter Ohtani. There’s a reason his at-bats have become must-watch events. And even though no pitcher relishes the idea of facing him, there’s a level of respect for what Ohtani accomplishes — even among the competitors trying to stop him.
“When I’m in competition mode, it doesn’t matter who is at the plate or what team we are up against — I resent you,” stated an NL pitcher. “I want to overpower you. Our goal is to win the game, regardless of what you do. Once the game ends, that’s when I evaluate everything I did. I analyze the footage.
“That’s when I realize, ‘That was an excellent pitch I threw, and he executed an even better swing.’ There’s nothing that can be done about it. You have to acknowledge the best player in the league.’”
Strategizing Against Shohei Ohtani: How MLB Pitchers Tackle One of the Greatest Hitters of All Time
Understanding Shohei Ohtani’s Batting Prowess
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar of Major League Baseball (MLB), has redefined what it means to be an elite player. As a designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani combines exceptional power, speed, and batting average, making him a formidable adversary for any pitcher.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | 2023 Season |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .307 |
| Home Runs | 44 |
| RBIs | 100 |
| On-base Percentage | .410 |
Analyzing Ohtani’s Hitting Style
To effectively strategize against Ohtani, pitchers must first understand his unique hitting style. Ohtani’s approach at the plate combines patience with aggression, making it crucial to develop a plan that limits his effectiveness.
Ohtani’s Strengths
- Power Hitting: Ohtani’s ability to hit home runs is unparalleled. His swing mechanics generate tremendous bat speed.
- Plate Discipline: He exhibits an advanced understanding of the strike zone, allowing him to draw walks and avoid bad pitches.
- Speed: Ohtani’s speed on the bases makes him a threat even after putting the ball in play.
Weaknesses to Exploit
- High Fastballs: While Ohtani can hit fastballs, he may struggle with elevated pitches.
- Breaking Balls: He has shown moments of vulnerability against sliders and curveballs, especially when thrown out of the zone.
Pitching Strategies Against Ohtani
To neutralize Shohei Ohtani’s impact, pitchers can employ several strategic approaches:
1. Mix Pitches Wisely
Consistency in pitch selection is crucial. By varying pitch types and locations, pitchers can keep Ohtani off-balance. Here are some effective combinations:
- Start with off-speed pitches to disrupt his timing.
- Follow up with high fastballs to exploit his tendency to chase.
- Integrate breaking balls low and away to induce weak contact.
2. Control the Strike Zone
Ohtani excels when he gets favorable counts. By establishing strike one and working ahead, pitchers can force him into more challenging hitting situations.
3. Use the Shift
Given Ohtani’s tendency to pull the ball, employing a defensive shift can reduce his batting average on ground balls and line drives. Analytical data can help teams position fielders more effectively.
Case Studies: Successful Strategies Against Ohtani
Throughout the 2023 season, several pitchers have had success against Ohtani. Analyzing these cases provides insights into effective strategies.
Case Study 1: Max Scherzer
In a key matchup, Max Scherzer utilized a game plan focused on high fastballs mixed with off-speed pitches. By establishing a rhythm with his fastball early in the count, he kept Ohtani guessing and ultimately struck him out twice.
Case Study 2: Gerrit Cole
Gerrit Cole effectively used breaking balls, particularly sliders, low and away from Ohtani. This strategy resulted in several groundouts and limited Ohtani’s power, showcasing the effectiveness of well-placed breaking pitches.
Benefits of Tailoring a Game Plan
A personalized strategy against Ohtani not only enhances a pitcher’s chances of success but also instills confidence within the team. Benefits include:
- Increased Strikeouts: A well-structured approach can lead to more strikeouts and fewer runs.
- Team Morale: Successfully neutralizing a superstar can boost overall team confidence.
- In-depth Scouting Reports: Tailored strategies encourage comprehensive scouting, benefiting other matchups.
Practical Tips for Pitchers
Here are some practical tips for pitchers facing Ohtani:
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: Ohtani thrives on high-pressure situations; staying composed can lead to better performance.
- Utilize Data Analytics: Leverage advanced stats to understand Ohtani’s tendencies, helping identify the best pitch selections.
- Work with Catchers: Collaborate closely with catchers to signal effective pitch selection and framing strategies.
First-Hand Experiences from Pitchers
Many pitchers have shared their experiences facing Ohtani, often echoing similar sentiments regarding his hitting capabilities.
Pitcher Insights
“Facing Ohtani is like facing multiple hitters at once. His ability to adjust mid-game makes him incredibly challenging,” said one veteran pitcher. “We have to remain adaptable and ready for changes.”
“I always assume I need to be perfect. The slightest mistake can turn into a home run,” another pitcher noted, emphasizing the razor-thin margins that define success against Ohtani.
The Evolution of Strategies Over Time
As the league becomes more familiar with Ohtani’s strengths and weaknesses, strategies will continue to evolve. The key is staying ahead of his adjustments, constantly analyzing performance data, and being innovative in pitch selection.
Future Outlook
As Shohei Ohtani continues to make history in MLB, pitchers will need to remain vigilant and adaptable. Embracing new technologies and analytics will play a critical role in developing effective strategies to counter one of the game’s greatest hitters.
