Dodgers giving slumping Shohei Ohtani a break from batter's box

TL;DR

Shohei Ohtani will take a break from batting as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts plans to sit him during the game against the San Francisco Giants. Ohtani is also expected to have reduced offensive duties during his pitching start on Wednesday.

Key points

Shohei Ohtani is struggling in the batter's box this season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts plans to give Ohtani a break.
Ohtani will sit out on Thursday against the San Francisco Giants.
He may also not bat during his pitching start on Wednesday.

Shohei OhtaniLos Angeles DodgersSan Francisco Giants

Shohei Ohtani has not been his best in the batter’s box this season.

Dave Roberts is giving him a break. The Dodgers manager told reporters on Tuesday that he’s planning give Ohtani the day off on Thursday when the Dodgers close a four-game series against the San Francisco Giants.

Roberts is also leaning toward sitting Ohtani on offense during his scheduled pitching start on Wednesday against San Francisco. Roberts confirmed the plan a day after telling reporters that he intended to give Ohtani at least one day off this week.

Ohtani will play Tuesday night

Ohtani will hit in his normal leadoff spot Tuesday night against Giants righty Adrian Houser. But he’s getting at least one day off from hitting from there.

“It certainly should be on the table,” Roberts said Monday when asked about giving Ohtani a mental break with a day off.

The Dodgers had just come off a 9-3 loss as Ohtani went 0-for-5 in the leadoff spot. Roberts was then asked if Ohtani was as “out of whack” as he’s seen him.