Dodgers manager Dave Roberts makes major Shohei Ohtani pitching announcement for next start originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are still trying to determine the best approach for Shohei Ohtani on days when he starts on the mound. Against the New York Mets, Ohtani took the mound but did not appear in the lineup as a hitter.

“Ohtani is the starting pitcher for the Dodgers' series finale against the Mets on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium (7 p.m. PT/10 ET on ESPN), but he will not hit. Kyle Tucker moved up to the leadoff spot in his place, and Dalton Rushing got a start at designated hitter without Ohtani in the lineup,” MLB.com’s Sonja Chen wrote.

Ohtani was dominant on the mound, striking out 10 batters and delivering one of the best starts of his career.

“Shohei Ohtani struck out 10 as the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night, when he was held out of the lineup as designated hitter after getting hit by a pitch this week. His 22 swing and misses against the New York Mets were a career high with the Dodgers. He struck out the side in the sixth inning on 14 pitches in the Dodgers' 8-2 victory. The right-hander allowed one run and two hits in six innings. It was the first time since May 28, 2021, with the Los Angeles Angels that Ohtani has not been in the batting lineup during a mound start,” WFTV’s Beth Harris wrote.

After a start in which he focused solely on pitching, questions arose about whether that approach should continue moving forward. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested that Ohtani could return to doing both in his next outing.

“Dave Roberts said he is leaning towards having Shohei Ohtani also hit when he makes his next pitching start Tuesday in Houston,” Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett posted.

The decision of whether Ohtani will both pitch and hit in his starts is likely to remain a topic throughout the season. As the year progresses, the organization should gain a clearer understanding of the best approach.

Ohtani was dominant without the added responsibility of hitting, but it’s possible he simply had exceptional stuff that night. Tuesday’s outing will provide another look at how effective he can be while balancing both roles.

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