BREAKING NEWS: Derek Shelton Praises Shohei Ohtani but Drops Cryptic 8-Word Comment on Dodgers Teammates

The Major League Baseball (MLB) community is abuzz with intrigue following a post-game press conference on April 28, 2025, where Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton lauded Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani for his performance despite a 7-4 Pirates victory. However, Shelton’s brief, eight-word remark about Ohtani’s teammates—“If they only relied on him, they would…”—has sparked heated debate and speculation across the baseball world, particularly on X, reigniting tensions from Shelton’s earlier controversy involving Ohtani.

The Context: A Game Overshadowed by Loss

The Dodgers, riding a five-game winning streak with a 14-5 record, faced the Pirates at PNC Park in a highly anticipated matchup. The game took on a somber tone when news broke that Ohtani’s mother, Kayoko Ohtani, had passed away unexpectedly in Japan that morning. Despite the devastating personal loss, Ohtani chose to play, a decision that drew admiration but visibly affected his performance. He went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, a rare off-night for the two-way phenom who was batting .340 with seven home runs and a 1.012 OPS entering the game.

The Pirates capitalized on a shaky outing from Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow, who allowed five runs in four innings, and a three-run homer by Bryan Reynolds sealed their 7-4 win, snapping Los Angeles’ streak. Mookie Betts provided a bright spot for the Dodgers with a solo home run, but the team’s seven runners left on base underscored their struggle to capitalize on opportunities.

Shelton’s Comments: Praise and a Sting

In the post-game press conference, Shelton, who has a history of controversial remarks about Ohtani, began by praising the Dodgers star, according to MLB.com: “Shohei Ohtani is an incredible competitor. To play through what he’s dealing with today shows his heart and dedication. He’s a special player.” The comments acknowledged Ohtani’s resilience amid the loss of his mother, earning Shelton rare praise for his sensitivity given his earlier accusation in June 2024 that Ohtani used a “mysterious drug” after a home run—a claim still under MLB investigation.

However, Shelton’s tone shifted when discussing the Dodgers’ overall performance, delivering a cryptic eight-word comment: “If they only relied on him, they would…” He trailed off, leaving reporters and fans to speculate on the intended ending. The remark was widely interpreted as a jab at Ohtani’s teammates, implying that the Dodgers’ supporting cast—players like Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith—aren’t pulling their weight or are overly dependent on Ohtani’s production.

Reactions: A Firestorm on X

Shelton’s comment exploded on X, where it drew a mix of outrage, support, and memes. Dodgers fans were quick to defend their star-studded roster, pointing to the team’s league-leading offense and depth. One user posted, “Shelton’s out here throwing shade at Betts and Freeman? The Dodgers have the best lineup in baseball! 🤡 #Clueless.” Another wrote, “If anything, Ohtani’s teammates carried today. Shelton needs to check the box score.”

Pirates fans and some neutral observers, however, saw merit in Shelton’s perspective. A user commented, “Shelton’s got a point. Ohtani’s unreal, but the Dodgers lean hard on him. Freeman’s been quiet lately.” Another added, “If they relied on Ohtani alone, they’d probably win more. He’s that good.” The hashtag #SheltonShade trended alongside #Ohtani, with fans creating mock endings to his sentence, ranging from “they would win” to “they would collapse.”

Analysts were divided. ESPN’s Jeff Passan called the comment “a risky jab,” noting that “poking at a team with Betts, Freeman, and Smith is bold, especially when they’re 14-5.” MLB Network’s Dan Plesac, however, suggested Shelton might be highlighting a real issue: “The Dodgers are stacked, but Ohtani’s carrying a heavy load. If he’s off, like today, they can struggle.” Plesac pointed to Freeman’s .260 average and Smith’s recent 2-for-15 slump as evidence.

Context: Shelton’s History with Ohtani

Shelton’s remark carries extra weight due to his prior controversy with Ohtani. In June 2024, he accused Ohtani of consuming a “mysterious drug” after a home run against Pittsburgh, a claim that sparked outrage and prompted an ongoing MLB investigation. The lack of evidence and Shelton’s refusal to retract the accusation have strained his credibility, making his latest comment a lightning rod for criticism. Some fans on X speculated that Shelton was attempting to deflect attention from the investigation, with one user writing, “Shelton’s still salty about Ohtani. This is just petty.”

The timing of the comment also drew scrutiny, given Ohtani’s personal tragedy. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who confirmed Ohtani’s leave of absence to attend his mother’s funeral in Japan, responded diplomatically: “I’m not going to dissect what Derek said. Our focus is on supporting Shohei and playing baseball.” Betts, however, was less restrained, posting a cryptic X message: “We all rely on each other. That’s what teams do. 💪” The post was liked over 50,000 times, signaling team unity.

The Dodgers’ Performance: Fair Criticism or Misplaced Shade?

Shelton’s comment raises questions about the Dodgers’ reliance on Ohtani. While their 14-5 record and league-leading 5.2 runs per game suggest a balanced attack, Ohtani’s contributions—seven home runs, 18 RBIs, and a .340 average—are central to their success. Freeman’s slow start (.260, three HRs) and Smith’s recent struggles have put pressure on Ohtani and Betts (.310, five HRs) to carry the offense. The Pirates game exposed vulnerabilities, as the Dodgers’ nine hits produced only four runs, with key at-bats faltering.

However, Shelton’s implication that the Dodgers should “rely on” Ohtani alone ignores their depth. Players like Max Muncy, Teoscar Hernández, and rookie Andy Pages have delivered clutch hits, and the pitching staff, led by Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Walker Buehler, ranks among the league’s best. NJ.com noted that the Dodgers’ seven runners left on base against Pittsburgh were an anomaly, not a trend, making Shelton’s comment seem opportunistic.

Implications: Motivation or Distraction?

Shelton’s words could have unintended consequences. For the Dodgers, the comment may serve as a rallying cry, especially as they navigate Ohtani’s absence. Freeman, who has a history of heating up in May, could use the slight as motivation, while Betts’ leadership will be crucial. The team’s next series against the Miami Marlins, starting April 30, will test their resilience without Ohtani, with Pages and Gavin Lux likely seeing increased roles.

For Shelton and the Pirates, the comment risks backfiring. Pittsburgh’s 10-18 record reflects their struggles, and Shelton’s focus on the Dodgers’ dynamics has drawn criticism for deflecting from his team’s issues. The Athletic’s Pirates beat writer Rob Biertempfel tweeted, “Shelton’s got guts taking a swipe at LA, but maybe worry about our .238 team average first.” The Pirates face pressure to build on their upset win, with Paul Skenes and Jared Jones anchoring their rotation.

The Bigger Picture: Ohtani’s Burden

Shelton’s comment inadvertently highlights the immense pressure on Ohtani, who has been the focal point of the Dodgers’ 2025 campaign. His $700 million contract, two MVP awards, and global fame make him a lightning rod for attention, from his playful “bald” bet against the Marlins to the drug accusation from Shelton. The loss of his mother, Kayoko, adds a human dimension to his story, and his decision to play hours after the news underscores his commitment.

The Dodgers’ reliance on Ohtani is undeniable, but their success stems from a collective effort. As SI.com noted, “Shelton’s half-finished sentence misses the mark. The Dodgers don’t need to rely solely on Ohtani—they’re built to win with or without him shining every night.” The team’s response in the coming weeks will determine whether Shelton’s words were a fleeting jab or a spark for greater unity.

What’s Next?

The Dodgers continue their series against the Pirates on April 29 and 30, with Yamamoto and Buehler scheduled to pitch. Ohtani’s leave for Japan leaves his return date uncertain, but the team is expected to lean on its depth. The Marlins series looms as a chance to regain momentum, with fans watching to see if Ohtani’s teammates prove Shelton wrong.

The Pirates, buoyed by their win, aim to climb out of the NL Central basement. Shelton’s comments, however, have put him back in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, with X users joking, “Derek’s got a PhD in shade, but his team’s still losing.” The MLB community awaits the next chapter, with #SheltonShade and #Ohtani fueling debates.

For now, Shohei Ohtani remains the heart of the Dodgers, and his teammates are poised to show they’re more than capable of carrying the load—whether Shelton believes it or not.