Shohei Ohtani pulls surprising move against Diamondbacks

Shohei Ohtani is showing off every tool in his bag.

Ohtani on Monday started off his game against the Arizona Diamondbacks by dropping down a bunt. The Los Angeles Dodgers DH was batting second behind Mookie Betts, who had lined out to lead off the bottom of the first. Then on the first pitch he saw, Ohtani dropped a bunt towards the third base side of the mound. Pitcher Joe Mantiply fielded the bunt, but his throw to first was errant, allowing Ohtani to reach base.

Omg, 2nd hole slugger Shohei Ohtani had a bunt hit!
谷翔平選手、セーフティバント成功!! pic.twitter.com/1LWIUe4D0g

— (@DecoOhtani117) May 21, 2024

When you pay a guy $700 million, you’re not expecting him to drop down bunts rather than swing for the fences. But when the defense is shifting like Arizona’s was, sometimes you just have to take what they give you, as Ohtani did.

That was his first bunt hit of the season. If the defense keeps playing him like that, he might have to bunt more often!

H/T Crabman