On March 15, 2024, the San Francisco Giants will face a significant moment in their season as they host the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park. This matchup marks the first time Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star and former MVP, will take the mound against the Giants as a member of the Dodgers. Anticipation has been building among fans eager to see Ohtani’s unique talent in action, but the situation is not without its complexities.
Ohtani’s Impact and Recovery
Manager Bob Melvin expressed his excitement about Ohtani’s appearance, noting its theatrical appeal. “It’ll get everybody’s attention,” he stated, highlighting the significance of Ohtani’s presence in this historic rivalry. Although Ohtani has faced the Giants before, this occasion is unique as it occurs at Oracle Park, a venue he has yet to pitch at as a Dodger.
Despite Ohtani’s impressive reputation, his performance is still limited as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. In his first season with the Dodgers, he has not pitched more than two innings in any of his four games. Nevertheless, Ohtani has demonstrated remarkable skill, allowing just one run while striking out six batters over six innings this season, and even reaching a career-high pitching speed of 101.7 mph.
Outfielder Heliot Ramos shared his enthusiasm about facing Ohtani for the first time in his career. “He’s a pretty good pitcher. I feel like he’s an even better hitter than he is a pitcher,” Ramos commented, acknowledging the challenge presented by Ohtani’s dual-threat ability. “It’s something that we’ve never seen basically. I’m very happy I get to be a part of this era of baseball.”
Past Encounters and Current Form
The Giants have a history with Ohtani, having lost both encounters when he pitched for the Los Angeles Angels, including his last start against them in June 2023. As the Giants prepare to face him, they can draw upon experience from players like Matt Chapman, who has battled Ohtani multiple times in the past. Chapman notably homered off Ohtani during the pitcher’s debut start in Major League Baseball, a moment he recalls vividly.
“It was a slider, a three-run (homer),” Chapman reflected. “I think I was the first person in the major leagues to homer off of him. That ball went to the Hall of Fame.”
Chapman has faced Ohtani in 20 career plate appearances, achieving a respectable batting average of .300. However, Ohtani has also struck him out on several occasions using various pitches. “Some success, and some not success,” Chapman said, summarizing their matchups with a hint of humor.
As the Giants gear up for this pivotal game, they are aware of the challenge Ohtani presents. Currently, the remainder of the Giants’ roster has had limited success against him, combining for just one hit in 13 at-bats. That lone hit belongs to Mike Yastrzemski, who hit a solo home run off Ohtani in 2021, representing the only earned run Ohtani has surrendered to the Giants.
With Ohtani’s current form and the Giants’ understanding of his capabilities, Melvin noted a strategic approach for the game. “We’ve just got to feel him out, see if he’s throwing strikes,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of adapting to Ohtani’s pitching style. “I’m just glad it’s not going to be eight or nine.”
This matchup not only highlights the competitive nature of the Giants-Dodgers rivalry but also showcases the anticipation surrounding Ohtani’s performance as he continues to recover and adjust to his new team. Fans and players alike are eager to witness what promises to be an electrifying evening at Oracle Park.