Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to make his sixth start of the season Tuesday night against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decided Ohtani will focus solely on pitching, citing his body language and workload. This marks the second straight start where Ohtani will not serve as designated hitter.
The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their series against the Astros with an 8-3 victory Monday, featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound. Ohtani, who earned National League Pitcher of the Month honors for April, enters with a 0.60 ERA over 30 innings. In his previous start against the Miami Marlins last Tuesday, he allowed one earned run across six innings while striking out nine, despite command struggles. This will be his second mound appearance in the past week as the Dodgers manage a demanding schedule and taxed bullpen, which has averaged over four innings per game in the last 14 days. Roberts made the call after observing Ohtani postgame. “Tomorrow, he is just going to pitch,” Roberts said. “I just decided that [by] just kind of watching him [and his body language], just giving him the opportunity to focus on the pitching [and] rest his body. I think it’s best for him.” Ohtani has gone 0-for-17 at the plate recently but took on-field batting practice Monday, surprising Roberts positively. The manager described the dual-role balance as a “start-by-start, redirect situation,” noting the heavy toll but affirming Ohtani will continue both jobs at times. The Astros rank near the top of the American League in OPS but face pitching injuries, while the Dodgers' offense showed revival in Monday's win.
