"Padres exposed it a little bit" - HOFer John Smoltz explains Shohei Ohtani's weaknesses & strengths in postseason

The story of the season, much like in years past, has been Shohei Ohtani: from the monster contract he signed ahead of the season to how he has performed in his first year with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He has certainly been a reason why the Blue Crew have dominated this season. Just focusing on the offensive side of things this year, he has taken his game to a whole new level.

However, he is not perfect and has struggled lately with nobody on base. This is something Ben Verlander and Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz brought up on a recent airing of Flippin' Bats. Verlander said:

"What we're seeing right now is with runners in scoring position, he is 16 for his last 19. That is almost unheard of. On the contrary, with no runners on, he is 0-fer."

Normally, this would be flip-flopped. Batters often have a tougher time hitting with runners on base, given the added pressure, but not Ohtani. He thrives with runners on base, but not so much when ducks aren't on the pond. Smoltz said:

"I think it has to do with stress and the pitchers not having as much. They found a couple ways to get him out in the postseason. The Padres exposed it a little bit."

Pitchers have started to figure out ways to attack Ohtani, and it has been tough on the two-time MVP. Slow and away has been the bread and butter for a lot of these opposing pitchers. Smoltz added:

"Everybody has a weakness and unfortunately, with nobody on, it has been slow, away, and swing-and-miss."

Dodgers have no plans to move Shohei Ohtani down in the order

Los Angeles Dodgers - Shohei Ohtani (Photo via IMAGN)

Despite Shohei Ohtani having better numbers with runners on base, the Dodgers have no plans to move their superstar down. Manager Dave Roberts believes in Ohtani's ability to set the tone as the leadoff hitter.

Roberts has already penciled Ohtani in to hit leadoff in Wednesday's Game 3. However, there are some changes to lineup that should shake things up.

Teoscar Hernandez has been moved down in the lineup. Freddie Freeman will hit in the three-hole and Max Muncy will take advantage of hitting as the cleanup hitter.

If the Dodgers lose Game 3, Roberts may think about moving Ohtani down in the order. This is something fans will want to keep an eye on.