SAN FRANCISCO — Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says he’s prioritizing Shohei Ohtani’s long-term health by potentially resting the superstar from batting duties during certain pitching appearances.
The strategy could vary from game to game based on how the dual-threat player feels physically, Roberts explained.
In some contests, this approach might involve Ohtani taking the mound while sitting out his designated hitter role — a flexibility Roberts wants to maintain moving forward.
Ohtani took his fourth pitching turn Wednesday evening versus the San Francisco Giants. Seven days prior, Roberts benched him from the batting order while he pitched — his first time since 2021 not hitting on a day he started, due to lingering soreness from being struck by a pitch.
The 31-year-old entered the game batting .271 with five homers and 11 RBIs across 85 plate appearances. On the pitching side, he had surrendered only one earned run through 18 innings in 2026, posting a 0.50 ERA and 2-0 record while giving up 10 hits with 18 strikeouts and six walks.
Ohtani also carried a career-high 53-game on-base streak, matching Shawn Green for second place in franchise history. Duke Snider holds the Dodgers record with 58 consecutive games from May 13-July 11, 1954. Ohtani’s run represents the longest active streak in baseball since Orlando Cabrera reached base in 63 straight games from April 25-July 6, 2006.
“I think if you look at the overall numbers it’s certainly something. I still feel really good about putting his name in the lineup,” Roberts said. “I know the last start I chose not to have him hit and just pitch. I am open to it. We’ll see. It’s something that we’ve certainly flagged, and also you have to look at what’s the option. In years past or last year, you’ve got to kind of weigh, who’s a different option?”
Catcher Dalton Rushing has emerged as a reliable designated hitter alternative, batting .414 with seven home runs and 13 RBIs.
The back-to-back World Series champions had struggled recently, losing three of their previous four games after falling 3-1 in Tuesday’s series opener against San Francisco.
During Wednesday’s pre-game conversation, Roberts found the four-time MVP — including back-to-back National League MVP winner — to be “really focused.”
“He wants to reset things, to go out there and pitch well and give us a chance to win tonight,” Roberts said.
Roberts hadn’t determined whether Ohtani would participate in Thursday’s series finale. He mentioned having no concerns about giving Ohtani five at-bats on pitching days but would consider moving him lower in the batting order when appropriate.
“I think everything should be on the table,” Roberts said.
