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By Peter Chawaga
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Los Angeles Dodgers are working to build two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani back up into a starting pitcher. And in the meantime, he just keeps on slugging.
Ohtani has now opened two games for the Dodgers and could see his next start come on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals. Ohtani has provided a critical bat at the top of the Dodgers' order and there was some concern that adding a pitching workload might hurt his offensive production. But so far, he's put those concerns to rest.
Since returning to the mound, Ohtani has 10 RBI, two homers and four walks in just eight games.
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At this point, there's very little that Ohtani can do to build on his legacy as the most exciting player in all of baseball. And as he leads all National League players in votes for the All-Star Game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked if he might return to the Home Run Derby in hopes of winning it for the first time.
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"That is a question for Shohei," Roberts responded, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. "I'm staying out of that."
Roberts, who will also manage the National League All-Star team, offered more definitive answers on some follow up questions, though. He ruled out the idea of Ohtani pitching in the game and indicated that he would position his superstar as the leadoff hitter.
"The fans love him," Roberts added. "He's the best player. It's going to be exciting for the fans to watch him in Atlanta for the All-Star Game."
Baseball fans should be happy enough to see Ohtani's bat in the Midsummer Classic. But for a player who can seemingly do it all, it might not be too much to ask that he swings it in the Home Run Derby as well.
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