Dodgers manager Dave Roberts boldly states Freddie Freeman is Shohei Ohtani’s ‘biggest presence for protection’

Shohei Ohtani will likely bat in second spot between Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman in the upcoming games.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts boldly states Freddie Freeman is Shohei Ohtani’s ‘biggest presence for protection’

Dave Roberts (L) Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani (R) [Image via LA Times/X]

The MLB world on Tuesday finally got to see Shohei Ohtani appear in the colors of Los Angeles Dodgers. The Japanese star made his first start of the Spring training as his side faced the Chicago White Sox in the Cactus League game.

Ohtani’s day did not start off as he anticipated as he got struck out looking and then collected a groundout. With him down to his last pitch in the fifth inning, the 29-year-old smacked a two-run bomb leaving the fans happy. His manager Dave Roberts seemed happy with his performance but later dropped a bold take regarding him and his teammate Freddie Freeman.

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Before the game, many expected Ohtani to bat in third position after Mookie Betts and Freeman. However, manager Roberts placed him between the two stars in second with the former Atlanta Braves star batting third.

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Roberts later revealed that this was done in order to protect Ohtani.

If you’re looking at the DNA of the two hitters, Shohei is more of a free swinger than Freddie is. If you have somebody like Freddie behind him ... there’s also a chance they should be in the strike zone a little more ... Freddie is the biggest presence for protection behind Shohei.
Dave Roberts on Shohei Ohtani batting ahead of Freddie Freeman as per LA Times.

The 2023 AL MVP did not seem much bothered by the decision and admitted he was looking forward to see how it will work out. Just like Ohtani, fans are also eagerly waiting to see what kind of impact will this bring on the team.

Social media reactions to Shohei Ohtani’s debut with LA Dodgers

Baseball fans on social media have been buzzing with Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers debut since he penned down a massive $700 million deal. Though things did not start of well for him, he ended the day on top with a massive two-run opposite field home run.

Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani (Image via Imago)

This two-run shot from him saw the team bring down the White Sox’s lead to one. They would eventually go on and complete the comeback and walk away as 9-6 winners.

One user on X, awestruck with his performance wrote, “The Greatest Sho on earth” as a reference to him being called “Sho“. A section of fans was stunned with his power to pull the ball to the other side of the field. Apart from it there were some trolls as well, as some were not too pleased like the others.

Here are some top reactions of fans regarding Ohtani’s debut with the Dodgers:

The Dodgers are now still unbeaten in the Spring training. Their next game will see them face off the 2023 World Series winners Texas Rangers on Thursday. Whether Ohtani will take part in that game remains to be seen.

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