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Ohtani sits out hitting duties for Wednesday's start
16 Apr
Summary
- Shohei Ohtani will not hit in Wednesday's game against the Mets.
- Ohtani is experiencing soreness from a pitch he took Monday.
- This is the first time since May 2021 Ohtani isn't hitting while pitching.
Shohei Ohtani will not be in the starting lineup as a hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers' series finale against the New York Mets on Wednesday. This decision stems from Ohtani being hit by a pitch on his right shoulder during Monday's game, which has caused lingering soreness.
Manager Dave Roberts indicated that having Ohtani focus solely on pitching provides him the "best chance to stay loose during the outing." This situation is notable as it's the first time since May 28, 2021, that Ohtani is not hitting in a game where he is also the starting pitcher. Ohtani is currently having a strong season on the mound with a 0.00 ERA through 12 innings and eight strikeouts, while he is hitting .254 with five home runs and an OPS of .910.
Ohtani's two-way prowess is a key aspect of the Dodgers' strategy, with 2026 marking his first full season with the team in this capacity. Despite his offensive capabilities, the focus for Wednesday's game is entirely on his pitching performance, as he aims to build on an impressive ERA this season.
