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ESPN Host Is Taking Heat For His Shohei Ohtani Comment

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 2:38 PM ET

When you set the standard Shohei Ohtani has since becoming an All-Star in 2021, two-hit and two-run performances just don't cut it — at least in the eyes of ESPN's Karl Ravech.

The Los Angeles Dodgers destroyed the Yankees 18-2 on Saturday night, despite the three-time MVP not plating a single RBI. But Ohtani still got on base and came around to score a couple of times to contribute to LA's effort.

However after striking in his first at-bat the following day against Yanks' lefty Ryan Yarbrough, Ravech and the "Sunday Night Baseball" crew pointed out how Shohei has "struggled" of late.

"On the 1-2 to Ohtani, oh boy, filthy pitch on a changeup," Ravech said. "And Shohei, who struggled yesterday in that 18-run game by the Dodger offense, strikes out."

June 1st, 2025 vs. NYY
1st Plate Appearance
Result: Strikeout pic.twitter.com/pQQOpNLh63
— Every Ohtani At Bat (@EveryOhtaniAB) June 1, 2025

That led to fans calling the veteran play-by-play man out for his comment.

"ESPN continues to embarrass themselves," a user said.

"Karl Ravech literally just makes [expletive] up. You're allowed to just stay quiet," another posted.

"Karl Ravech makes my ears bleed," a fan replied.

"ESPN having David Cone on the SNB broadcast with Karl Ravech and Eduardo Perez is like having Sir Paul McCartney in a band with a middle aged man who picked up drums in his mid life crisis and a first grader with a recorder."

"Karl Ravech doesn't know [expletive] about baseball," another person claimed.

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 26: Karl Ravech of ESPN speaks on set the day before Game 1 of the 2015 World Series between the Royals and Mets at Kauffman Stadium on October 26, 2015 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images)Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images

Perhaps it's the ultimate compliment to Ohtani that a two-hit game without an RBI is a sign of struggling. But it doesn't change the fact that Shohei has 22 homers with a .293/.390/.655 slash line.

The Japanese-born superstar is also reportedly starting to ramp up his pitching workouts as he aims to return to the mound this season. He hasn't pitched in live game action since Aug. 23, 2023.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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