“It’s Worse Than We Thought” — Dodgers Manager Finally Opens Up About Ohtani’s Shocking Struggles

The Los Angeles Dodgers had high hopes when they signed Shohei Ohtani, one of the most electrifying players in baseball history. Known for his rare two-way ability — excelling both as a pitcher and a slugger — Ohtani was expected to be a game-changer for a team that consistently competes for championships. However, as the season unfolded, things took an unexpected turn. After weeks of speculation and growing concern from fans and analysts alike, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has finally broken his silence, offering a brutally honest assessment of Ohtani’s struggles. And as he puts it, “it’s worse than we thought.”

The Arrival of Shohei Ohtani: Hype and Expectations

When Shohei Ohtani signed with the Dodgers, it was hailed as one of the most significant acquisitions in recent memory. After his spectacular tenure with the Los Angeles Angels, during which he won MVP honors and redefined what was possible in modern baseball, fans anticipated that his move across town would cement the Dodgers’ dominance. The team’s front office, players, and supporters envisioned a future filled with towering home runs, dominant pitching performances, and, most importantly, championship glory.

The media coverage was relentless. Every move Ohtani made during spring training was dissected. His batting practice sessions drew crowds. His bullpen sessions were filmed and analyzed frame-by-frame. Merchandise sales soared, and Dodger Stadium saw record-breaking ticket sales in anticipation of his debut. The atmosphere was electric, with the belief that Ohtani was the missing piece that would finally help the team recapture the World Series crown.

Early Signs of Trouble

Despite the enormous fanfare, it didn’t take long for cracks to appear. Ohtani’s performance on both sides of the game seemed off from the very start of the season. As a hitter, his usually keen eye at the plate was betrayed by uncharacteristic strikeouts and mistimed swings. His batting average dipped alarmingly below expectations, and the slugging percentage that once terrified pitchers across the league was nowhere to be found.

On the mound, the situation was even more concerning. Ohtani’s fastball velocity was inconsistent, his once devastating splitter lacked its usual sharpness, and his control faltered in key situations. Walks, which had never been a significant issue for him, started to pile up. Opposing hitters seemed to pick up his pitches more easily, leading to hard contact and runs scored in bunches.

Fans initially attributed these struggles to the pressure of a new team and environment. But as the weeks wore on, the excuses began to run thin. The question on everyone’s mind became unavoidable: what was really going on with Shohei Ohtani?

The Breaking Point: Roberts Speaks Out

Until recently, the Dodgers’ organization maintained a wall of optimism. Postgame interviews were filled with reassurances. “It’s early,” they said. “He’s just adjusting.” But the tone shifted dramatically after a series of disappointing outings that saw the Dodgers lose critical games to division rivals. The murmurs in the clubhouse, the concerned glances from teammates, and the discontent among fans could no longer be ignored.

Finally, Dave Roberts, known for his measured and supportive approach, addressed the media with candor. In a press conference that sent shockwaves through the baseball world, he admitted, “It’s worse than we thought.”

Roberts detailed how internal assessments had revealed deeper issues than what was visible on the surface. According to the manager, Ohtani’s mechanics had deteriorated more significantly than initially suspected. Video analysis showed subtle but critical flaws in both his pitching motion and batting stance. These flaws, Roberts said, were contributing to Ohtani’s ineffectiveness and were not easily correctable in the middle of a season.

Moreover, Roberts hinted at underlying physical concerns that had not been fully disclosed before. While he stopped short of specifying any injury, his words suggested that the team’s medical staff was now deeply involved in evaluating Ohtani’s condition. Roberts emphasized that they were exploring “every option” to help their star regain form but cautioned that recovery would not be immediate.

The Impact on Team Morale and Performance

The revelation about Ohtani’s struggles has had a ripple effect throughout the Dodgers’ clubhouse. Teammates, who had looked to Ohtani as a source of inspiration and a symbol of the team’s ambition, now find themselves grappling with uncertainty. The mood has shifted from confident determination to anxious hope. Veteran players have stepped up, trying to fill the void left by Ohtani’s diminished performance, but the challenge is enormous.

On the field, the team’s overall performance has suffered. The Dodgers’ offense, once envisioned as a juggernaut with Ohtani at its heart, has become inconsistent. Without Ohtani delivering the clutch hits and innings on the mound that were expected, the team has struggled to maintain its early-season momentum. Close games have turned into heartbreaking losses, and the once secure lead in the division has begun to shrink.

Fan Reaction: From Adoration to Concern

Among the fanbase, the reaction has been a complex mix of disappointment, empathy, and worry. Shohei Ohtani is not just a player — he’s a global icon whose story of overcoming obstacles resonates far beyond the baseball diamond. His struggles feel personal to many fans who have followed his career from Japan to Major League Baseball.

Social media is flooded with messages of support, but also with calls for transparency from the Dodgers’ management. Many fans are asking tough questions: Was Ohtani fully healthy when he signed with the team? Did the front office rush him back into action too quickly? What is being done behind the scenes to support him now?

Season ticket holders, who invested heavily in packages hoping to witness history, are understandably frustrated. But the prevailing emotion is concern for Ohtani himself — a hope that whatever is wrong can be identified and resolved before lasting damage is done to his career.

What Comes Next for Ohtani and the Dodgers

Looking ahead, the path for Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers is fraught with difficult decisions. Roberts indicated that the team is considering all options, including a possible extended break for Ohtani to rest and work on his mechanics away from the intense spotlight of regular-season games. There are even whispers that a stint on the injured list could be in the cards if medical evaluations confirm any structural issues.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ coaching staff is implementing targeted adjustments to Ohtani’s approach at the plate and on the mound. They are working with external specialists, including biomechanics experts and mental performance coaches, to provide Ohtani with every possible tool to recover. The goal is clear: to help him rediscover the form that made him one of the most unique talents the game has ever seen.

For the Dodgers, the stakes are incredibly high. A season that began with championship dreams now hangs in the balance. The organization must balance the immediate need to compete with the long-term health and effectiveness of their star player. The next few weeks could determine not just the fate of this season but the trajectory of Ohtani’s entire tenure with the team.

A Cautionary Tale and a Test of Character

In many ways, the situation surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s struggles is a reminder of the unforgiving nature of professional sports. Even the most talented athletes can encounter periods of hardship, and even the most celebrated acquisitions can come with unforeseen challenges. But it is also in these moments that true character is revealed — not just in the athlete, but in the team, the organization, and the fans who support them.

For Ohtani, this is undoubtedly one of the toughest periods of his career. But those who have watched him overcome injuries, defy skeptics, and achieve greatness before know that if anyone can find a way through adversity, it’s him. The coming months will be a defining chapter — one that tests not only his skills but his resilience, determination, and love for the game.

And for the Dodgers, the challenge is clear: to support their star, adapt their strategies, and keep their championship hopes alive. Whether this season ends in triumph or heartbreak, one thing is certain — the baseball world will be watching every step of the way.