Dodgers consider resting Shohei Ohtani at the plate during pitching starts
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is considering resting Shohei Ohtani as a designated hitter during his pitching starts to manage the two-way superstar’s workload.
The discussion follows Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat by the San Francisco Giants, where Ohtani pitched six scoreless innings but saw his career-best 53-game on-base streak end.
Balancing act for the Japanese international
Roberts has reiterated his commitment to keeping the 31-year-old fresh for both responsibilities throughout a demanding Major League Baseball campaign.
This cautious approach means the right-handed pitcher could occasionally take the mound without stepping into the batter’s box.
“I’ll always let the manager make that final decision and I’m always going to be prepared when I’m starting that I’m hitting,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton.
“But if it makes sense as a team to occasionally put a guy in as a DH or hit later, that’s fine as well.”
Historic on-base run concludes
Operating in his customary leadoff spot against San Francisco, Ohtani went 0-for-4 at the plate.
This brought an end to a remarkable run that matched Shawn Green for the second-longest on-base streak in Dodgers history.
It was the longest sequence in the majors since Orlando Cabrera reached base in 63 consecutive games during the 2006 season.
“The season’s not over, and I could start another streak and that would be great,” the former American League MVP added.
Exploring designated hitter alternatives
While his batting average has dipped slightly to .258, Ohtani remains utterly dominant on the pitching mound.
He boasts a flawless 2-0 record and a staggering 0.38 ERA, having allowed just one earned run over 24 innings this year.
Roberts confirmed that resting his marquee signing at the plate is a scenario the coaching staff have actively flagged for future games.
“I think if you look at the overall numbers, it’s certainly something,” the Dodgers manager explained.
Rising prospect Dalton Rushing has emerged as a highly capable alternative, hitting .414 with seven home runs as a designated hitter.
The reigning World Series champions will be looking for a spark to reverse their current form, having lost four of their last five matches.
