BREAKING NEWS: Derek Shelton Praised Shohei Ohtani for a Good Game but Gave a 9-Word Comment About Ohtani Teammates: “If They Only Relied on Him, They Would…”

On April 27, 2025, at 10:00 PM +07, Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton made headlines with a pointed comment following a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park. The Dodgers secured a 5-3 victory, with Shohei Ohtani delivering a standout performance that included a two-run home run and a stolen base, contributing significantly to the win. Shelton, in his postgame press conference, praised Ohtani’s exceptional play but followed with a sharp nine-word remark about the Dodgers’ reliance on their superstar: “If they only relied on him, they would struggle.”

The Game: Ohtani Shines, Dodgers Prevail

The game saw Ohtani, now in his second season with the Dodgers, continue to dazzle. His third-inning home run off Pirates starter Paul Skenes gave the Dodgers an early lead, and his stolen base in the seventh set up a crucial insurance run. Ohtani finished the night 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs, reinforcing his status as a leading candidate for the National League MVP award. The Dodgers, now 14-5 on the season, have been a dominant force, with Ohtani’s contributions often stealing the spotlight.

However, Shelton’s Pirates put up a fight, with a late rally in the eighth inning bringing them within two runs. Despite the loss, Shelton was quick to acknowledge Ohtani’s impact, stating, “He’s a phenomenal player, a true game-changer. What he does on both sides of the ball is unreal.” This praise aligns with sentiments expressed by many in the baseball world, including Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who has called Ohtani “one of one,” and teammate Kiké Hernández, who described him as “the most talented player to ever play the game.”

Shelton’s Comment: A Subtle Critique?

Shelton’s nine-word comment—”If they only relied on him, they would struggle”—has sparked debate among fans and analysts. On one hand, it highlights Ohtani’s undeniable value to the Dodgers, a team that has leaned heavily on his offensive production while he works back to full two-way capability following elbow surgery. In 2024, Ohtani achieved the unprecedented 50-50 club (50 home runs, 50 stolen bases), and this season, he’s on pace for another historic year, with 15 home runs and 12 stolen bases through the first 19 games.

On the other hand, Shelton’s remark suggests a potential over-reliance on Ohtani, implying that the Dodgers’ supporting cast may not be pulling their weight. This critique comes at a time when the Dodgers have faced scrutiny for their inconsistent lineup outside of their top stars. While players like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts have been reliable, others, such as Austin Barnes and Andy Pages, have struggled, with batting averages below .200 early in the season. Some Dodgers fans on X have interpreted Shelton’s comment as a jab, with one user posting, “Shelton’s just salty because Ohtani owns the Pirates.” Others see it as a fair point, noting, “The Dodgers do lean on Ohtani a lot—Shelton’s not wrong.”

Context: The Pirates’ Struggles and Shelton’s Frustrations

Shelton’s comment may also reflect his own team’s challenges. The Pirates, now 7-12, have had a rough start to the 2025 season, continuing a trend of late-game collapses that plagued them in 2024. Last August, Shelton expressed frustration after a blown seven-run lead against the Chicago Cubs, stating, “I don’t know if I’ve been as pissed as I am right now.” The Pirates’ inability to close games has been a recurring issue, and facing a player of Ohtani’s caliber only underscores the gap between the two teams.

Shelton has a history of facing Ohtani, notably during a 2024 matchup where rookie pitcher Paul Skenes struck out Ohtani in the first inning with three 100-mph fastballs, only for Ohtani to retaliate with a two-run homer in the third. Shelton praised Skenes at the time for going “right after a really good lineup,” but the Pirates ultimately lost that game as well. The Pirates’ struggles against the Dodgers, combined with their broader season woes, may have fueled Shelton’s pointed remark.

The Bigger Picture: Ohtani’s Impact and Team Dynamics

Shelton’s comment raises questions about team dynamics in the modern MLB, where superstars like Ohtani can dominate headlines and games but also expose the vulnerabilities of their supporting casts. The Dodgers’ $700 million investment in Ohtani has paid dividends, both on the field and financially, with team president Stan Kasten noting that Ohtani’s impact has been “well beyond what we imagined.” However, the team’s postseason success in 2024—winning the World Series with Ohtani as a key contributor—relied on contributions from players like Hernández, who tied Babe Ruth on the all-time postseason home run list, and Freeman, who delivered clutch hits.

Critics might argue that Shelton’s comment overlooks the Dodgers’ depth. While Ohtani is the focal point, the team’s roster includes former MVPs Betts and Freeman, as well as a rotation that has been bolstered by Ohtani’s gradual return to pitching. In a recent game against the Rockies on April 17, 2025, Ohtani hit a 448-foot home run, but the Dodgers’ seven-run first inning also featured contributions from Freeman, Andy Pages, and Austin Barnes, showing that the team can produce without solely relying on their star.

Looking Ahead: Implications for Both Teams

For the Dodgers, Shelton’s comment may serve as a reminder to ensure their lineup remains balanced as they pursue another championship. Ohtani’s return to pitching, with full bullpen sessions every Saturday, could further alleviate pressure on the offense, making the Dodgers even more formidable. For the Pirates, the loss to the Dodgers underscores the need for consistency and depth, areas where they’ve struggled under Shelton’s tenure. With playoff hopes fading, the Pirates face mounting pressure to turn their season around.

Shelton’s nine-word comment, while brief, has ignited a conversation about the balance between star power and team effort in baseball. As the Dodgers and Pirates continue their respective journeys in the 2025 season, Ohtani’s brilliance will undoubtedly remain in the spotlight—but so too will the question of how much his teammates can step up to support him.