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The Los Angeles Dodgers are continuing to treat Shohei Ohtani with great care and keep him upright, which has brought along a balancing act for the team.
Ohtani is a player who hates taking days off, wanting to make all of his regular pitching starts and hit every day, including his starts.
On Wednesday, Ohtani pitched seven scoreless innings, passing the 100 pitch mark, and taking further steps towards a Cy Young award.
However, he did not hit, and the Japanese star won’t hit on Thursday either, getting two full days off from hitting and one full day off from playing overall.
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May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers in the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Dodgers are hoping to give him time to reset his swing and hitting abilities after going through a slump to start the month of May.
According to manager Dave Roberts, the team is doing its best to help Ohtani as he deals with a full workload.
“It’s interesting because last year, there was a lot of conversations that he shouldn’t pitch and just be a hitter,” Roberts said.
“Now, it’s kind of flipped on its head. I can’t imagine what goes through his mind, but I do feel clarity on how we’re managing him. There’s no one way to go about it. You’re just trying to be fluid, and react and respond to how he’s feeling.”
How does Ohtani feel about his new role?
Ohtani, for his part, remains stubborn on the fact that he can do both, and he will relay the message that neither side of the ball is affecting the other.
The Dodgers star relayed that he feels he is at the peak of his powers and can handle the workload that comes with playing every day and making starts.
“I do feel young. I feel good. At my peak,” Ohtani said.
Until it becomes inarguable that Ohtani can’t handle the workload, he will be fighting for every possible opportunity to hit or pitch.
However, regarding the decision, Roberts made it clear that the process will focus on what is best for Ohtani and the team.
“I think he appreciates it,” Roberts said. “It does matter, to some extent, but I do think that when I see him and how his body is responding and dragging a little bit, I think that most times it’s best to take it out of the player’s hands.
“I do think that we have a good enough relationship that he understands I’m doing this for him and the team.”
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