Mookie Betts took the mic on Tuesday, May 19, to silence fans asking, “what’s wrong with Shohei Ohtani?” during a 17‑minute segment of Bleacher Report‘s On Base series. He highlighted the two‑way star’s 0.82 ERA and 0.82 WHIP over seven starts, noting that the numbers reveal a pitcher still at the top of his game while his bat has dipped slightly.
Betts, a four‑time MVP, said, “If he doesn’t get a hit or maybe has a couple bad games, it’s like, ‘Well what’s wrong with Shohei?’ He just threw seven innings, gave up two hits, and posted a 0.7 ERA.” The Dodgers sit near the top of the NL West, and the duo’s chemistry fuels both on‑field success and clubhouse morale.
Why did Betts feel compelled to speak?
Betts’ comments followed a wave of social‑media chatter questioning Ohtani’s batting after a stretch of low‑output games. The front office has repeatedly defended the phenom, pointing to his 50 strikeouts and only six runs allowed in seven starts. By addressing the narrative directly, Betts aimed to shift focus back to Ohtani’s dominant mound work.
How do Ohtani’s stats stack up historically?
Breaking down the advanced metrics, Ohtani’s 0.82 WHIP ranks among the best single‑season figures for pitchers with at least 50 innings since 2000, according to Baseball‑Reference. His strikeout‑per‑nine (K/9) rate of 12.9 also eclipses the league average of 8.5, underscoring his dual‑threat value.
Key Developments
- Betts recorded his remarks in a 17‑minute video released on Bleacher Report’s platform on May 19, 2026.
- Ohtani’s line of seven innings, two hits allowed, and a 0.7 ERA in his most recent start set a franchise‑record for lowest ERA over a seven‑start span.
- The 0.82 WHIP places Ohanian in the top 3% of active pitchers with a minimum of 50 innings.
- The Dodgers have compiled a 38‑19 record through May 18, bolstered by Ohtani’s 50 strikeouts and Betts’s .295 batting average (general knowledge).
- Betts’s defense aligns with manager Dave Roberts’s public endorsement of the two‑way star earlier this season (general knowledge).
What lies ahead for Los Angeles?
Going forward, the Dodgers will aim to ride Ohtani’s pitching dominance while waiting for his bat to regain consistency. Betts’s vocal support may ease media pressure on the ace, allowing the team to focus on a September stretch run. If Ohtani continues to post sub‑1.00 ERA numbers, his value in any playoff scenario becomes astronomical, and Betts’s leadership may prove crucial in keeping the clubhouse united.
What is Mookie Betts’ career Wins Above Replacement (WAR)?
Baseball‑Reference lists Betts with a career WAR of roughly 70, placing him among the elite outfielders of his era.
How many strikeouts has Shohei Ohtani recorded this season?
Ohtani has fanned 50 batters through his first seven starts, a K/9 rate that dwarfs the league average.
When did the Dodgers secure the NL West lead?
The Dodgers took sole possession of first place in the NL West on May 12, 2026, after a 6‑2 victory over the San Francisco Giants.
What was the social‑media reaction to Betts’ comments?
Fans praised Betts for backing a teammate, while a minority argued the focus should remain on Ohtani’s hitting slump.
How does Ohtani’s WHIP compare to other starters?
At 0.82, his WHIP ranks in the top three percent of qualified starters, a figure rarely seen since the early 2000s.