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Shohei Ohtani has not, and will not, slow down on the mound.
Acting as a two-way player for his first start of June, Ohtani delivered six scoreless innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks as the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a win on Wednesday by a 7-0 final.
The load management surrounding Ohtani's workload has been something of a debate, especially when Ohtani struggled at the plate last May. Now that he's building his way back to his old form, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has given him a bit of leeway when it comes to acting as a two-way player for his starts.
Ahead of Wednesday's matchup, Roberts told reporters that he would let it rip with Ohtani for his start as he was planning on giving the 31-year-old the day off on Thursday.
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Shohei Ohtani (17) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix, on June 2, 2026. -- © Joe Rondone via Imagn Images
Ohtani was coming off a start last time out, which many other pitchers would've settled for.
He tossed six no-hit innings against the Colorado Rockies on May 27, but his four walks given up were the result of the lack of command he had on his four-seamer.
With the frustration from his last start looming, Roberts noted to reporters that Ohtani's work leading up to this start was good enough for a bounce.
Boy, was it ever.
A well-rested Ohtani took care of Diamondback hitters, shutting them out for six innings and striking out six, while only allowing two hits.
“Today was definitely a lot better than last time," Ohtani said on his six scoreless innings against Arizona. "Hard to say if today was really good. I have to look back and review it. But what I could tell for sure is better than last time.”
Ohtani did not allow a hit for the first 3 2/3 innings until Gabriel Moreno doubled down the right field line.
He would allow just one more hit in the bottom of the sixth (Gerlaod Perdomo single), and when all was said and done, Ohtani stepped off the mound with a 0.74 ERA across 10 starts.
He is just behind Jacob deGrom and Juan Marichal for the lowest recorded ERA through the first 10 starts of a season.
Opposing hitters are slashling .144/.224/.211 against Ohtani.
Jun 3, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a single in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. -- © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Offensively, Ohtani was locked in at the plate, reaching in five of his plate appearances with three hits and two walks.
Kyle Tucker kicked off the scoring for Los Angeles, launching his fifth home run of the season for a two-run shot. That was his first home run since May 4.
Jun 3, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker celebrates with teammates after hitting a two run home run in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. -- © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feddie Freeman followed that with an RBI single in the top of the third, and Max Muncy would add on with an RBI base knock of his own.
Fast forward to the seventh, bases were loaded full with Dodgers, and Alex Freeland knocked a two-run single to put the nail in the coffin offensively.
With the win, the Dodgers earn their 40th win of the season, and lead the four-game series 2-1.
Justin Wrobleski takes the mound on Thursday with Los Angeles seeking their fifth straight series win overall.
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Acting as a two-way player for his first start of June, Ohtani delivered six scoreless innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks as the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a win on Wednesday by a 7-0 final.
The load management surrounding Ohtani's workload has been something of a debate, especially when Ohtani struggled at the plate last May. Now that he's building his way back to his old form, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has given him a bit of leeway when it comes to acting as a two-way player for his starts.
Ahead of Wednesday's matchup, Roberts told reporters that he would let it rip with Ohtani for his start as he was planning on giving the 31-year-old the day off on Thursday.
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Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Shohei Ohtani (17) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix, on June 2, 2026. -- © Joe Rondone via Imagn Images
Ohtani was coming off a start last time out, which many other pitchers would've settled for.
He tossed six no-hit innings against the Colorado Rockies on May 27, but his four walks given up were the result of the lack of command he had on his four-seamer.
With the frustration from his last start looming, Roberts noted to reporters that Ohtani's work leading up to this start was good enough for a bounce.
Boy, was it ever.
A well-rested Ohtani took care of Diamondback hitters, shutting them out for six innings and striking out six, while only allowing two hits.
“Today was definitely a lot better than last time," Ohtani said on his six scoreless innings against Arizona. "Hard to say if today was really good. I have to look back and review it. But what I could tell for sure is better than last time.”
Ohtani did not allow a hit for the first 3 2/3 innings until Gabriel Moreno doubled down the right field line.
He would allow just one more hit in the bottom of the sixth (Gerlaod Perdomo single), and when all was said and done, Ohtani stepped off the mound with a 0.74 ERA across 10 starts.
He is just behind Jacob deGrom and Juan Marichal for the lowest recorded ERA through the first 10 starts of a season.
Opposing hitters are slashling .144/.224/.211 against Ohtani.
You must be registered for see images attach
Jun 3, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a single in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. -- © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Offensively, Ohtani was locked in at the plate, reaching in five of his plate appearances with three hits and two walks.
Kyle Tucker kicked off the scoring for Los Angeles, launching his fifth home run of the season for a two-run shot. That was his first home run since May 4.
You must be registered for see images attach
Jun 3, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker celebrates with teammates after hitting a two run home run in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. -- © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feddie Freeman followed that with an RBI single in the top of the third, and Max Muncy would add on with an RBI base knock of his own.
Fast forward to the seventh, bases were loaded full with Dodgers, and Alex Freeland knocked a two-run single to put the nail in the coffin offensively.
What's Next?
With the win, the Dodgers earn their 40th win of the season, and lead the four-game series 2-1.
Justin Wrobleski takes the mound on Thursday with Los Angeles seeking their fifth straight series win overall.
Join the Community
Don’t miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It’s completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
