Shohei Ohtani's hitting slump continues in loss to Braves

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs the bases against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Shohei Ohtani's hitting slump continues in loss to Braves

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated May 10, 2026 10:29 PM ET

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Japanese star Shohei Ohtani's bat has been cold lately, and it continued in the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Sunday.

The Braves won the series, taking two games away from the 2025 World Series champs. Ohtani went 0-for-4 and has only four hits in his last 33 at-bats.

In Ohtani's first at-bat in the bottom of the first, he was up against veteran Spencer Strider. Strider retired Ohani with a fastball that resulted in a strikeout.

He's only homered once in his past 102 plate appearances. His sixth home run of the season came on April 26 against the Chicago Cubs, which is the last time he homered.

He's now gone nine games in a row without hitting the long ball. The current home run leader(s) are Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber, who are tied for first with 16. Ohanti is nowhere near the top, tied for six home runs in 45th place with several other MLB players.

#Dodgers Shohei Ohtani has gone 0 for 4 today. Has just 4 hits in his past 33 at-bats and only 1 HR in his past 102 plate appearances
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) May 10, 2026

What's going on with Shohei Ohtani?

Despite the offensive struggles, Ohtani is still pitching dominantly with a 0.97 ERA along with a 2-2 record.

When it comes to slumps, they are normally temporary, and Ohtani is expected to break out of his slump soon enough. But his struggles are putting him on a lower home-run pace compared to previous seasons.

Ohtani went 0-for-14 across four games in early May, which was his longest hitting drought since 2022. As well, from April 30 to May 4, he went 0-for-17 with six walks.

When it comes down to it, the physical demands of being a two-way player (DH & starting pitcher) have caught up with Ohtani.

Keeping in mind that Ohtani has already undergone two Tommy John surgeries on his right elbow. The bodily strain and workload that come with his two-way role are why the Dodgers have given him days to rest.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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