Dodgers News: Dave Roberts praises Shohei Ohtani’s impressive base-stealing skills

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently highlighted Shohei Ohtani's impressive progress in base stealing this season. Ohtani's ability to swipe bases has significantly improved, showcasing his development as a player.

Ohtani reached a notable milestone by stealing his 40th base of the season during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. This achievement places him among the top base stealers in Major League Baseball, just five innings before he hit a walk-off grand slam, marking his 40th home run as well. This accomplishment makes him only the sixth player in MLB history to achieve a 40-40 season, a feat he accomplished after previously recording 26 steals in 2021.

Roberts pointed out that Ohtani is now exhibiting the skills of a true base stealer, with better jumps and smarter decisions on the bases. Ohtani has been working closely with the team's first-base coach to refine his technique, resulting in a remarkable 24 steals in 26 attempts since July, including a perfect record in August.

“I just think now he is looking like a base stealer,” Roberts said as quoted by San Gabriel Valley Tribune. “The jumps are way better, the situations he runs just makes more sense to the scoreboard and he’s became a really plus base stealer and not just a fast baseball player.”

“It’s just really being able to have open communication with the coaches, a lot of people in the clubhouse to first of all have an aggressive approach on the bases to make sure that I’m utilizing my running ability,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton.

“Clayton and (Ohtani) have formed a really nice relationship and whether it’s talking about mechanics, talking about pitcher tendencies, it’s good to see because they have been working hand in hand together,” Roberts said.

Related: Dodgers News: Max Muncy Shares Insights on Injury Recovery Breakthrough

Looking ahead, the Dodgers will face the Rays again, with Gavin Stone on the mound for the home team.