There’s something different about Shohei Ohtani this year. The two-way phenom is operating on a level that even he hasn’t ever touched. With a career .320 batting average, Ohtani is leading the Los Angeles Dodgers toward another playoff appearance. But then, the superstar is doing it without pitching and that’s a huge thing. However, in a surprisingly candid admission, Ohtani credited that very fact for his extraordinary performance.

Though the Dodgers star is continuously undergoing throwing practices, the truth is that he’s still far from a return to the mound. On top of that, his ever-improving hitting numbers have made experts wonder whether he’ll ever pitch at the level he did before. While there’s no indication of Ohtani giving up on pitching as of now, the 2x MVP has shared how much the lack of pitching is helping him.

“The reality is the workload has been a lot less,” Shohei Ohtani said per ESPN. “So I can’t deny that. But at the same time, as a hitter, I’ve been getting better and overall I think I’ve been growing as a hitter, too.” But while Ohtani’s been impressive throughout the season, his numbers since Mookie Betts’ injury are bordering on being ridiculous.

Ohtani’s shift to leadoff has paid off for the Dodgers. In the 8 games since then, the two-way phenom is averaging .419 and has hit 5 home runs with 14 RBIs. So total has been Ohtani’s domination that demands are now being raised to shift him to the leadoff position permanently.

Though Dave Roberts is open to the suggestion, he hasn’t given a full thumbs up to it yet. However, while a lack of pitching is certainly helping Ohtani, it’s also the team environment that is proving to be highly suitable for him.

Shohei Ohtani explains experience with the Los Angeles Dodgers till now 

Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million deal came with multiple questions. How would the famously private person adjust to this ultra-mainstream clubhouse? However, the two-way phenom has not only adjusted well but is also becoming of the boys. “It’s really about getting to know the guys,” Ohtani said. “You know I had my first impression, but really getting to know who the people are and the organization.”

Certainly, he now knows a thing or two about the Dodgers. Shohei Ohtani can be regularly seen playing pranks on his teammates. That’s evidence of the growing bond between him and others on the Dodgers roster. One more piece of evidence is Freddie Freeman’s words after another amazing Shohei Ohtani performance.

“I don’t know what more we can really say about him,” Freeman said. “I think we’ve said everything we can since he entered this league, about what an amazing player he is.” The first baseman then said perhaps it’s better to just “step back” and “appreciate a player” like Ohtani. Certainly but the question remains – will Ohtani give up on full-time pitching if his current form continues?