Dodgers Notebook: Ohtani takes the mound only, Snell builds up, Díaz looms vs. Mets

The Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) during a Spring Training Game against The Los Angeles Angels, March 22nd, 2026 in Anaheim, California.

LOS ANGELES — The plan shifted, but the priority stayed the same for Shohei Ohtani.

A day after Dave Roberts said Ohtani would be available, the Dodgers adjusted course Wednesday: Ohtani will start on the mound against the New York Mets, but he won’t be in the lineup.

The change stems from the hit-by-pitch Ohtani took on his right shoulder Monday. While Ohtani is “feeling much better,” Roberts said lingering soreness made it prudent to remove hitting from his responsibilities for one night.

“If it weren’t for the hit-by-pitch, he would have been DH and pitching tonight,” Roberts said. “This one game, it just makes the most sense to give us the best chance to manage the shoulder and back.”

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts on the mound during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 13, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

Ric Tapia - The Sporting Tribune

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts on the mound during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 13, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

Roberts emphasized the move is temporary, not a new blueprint. The expectation remains that Ohtani will continue his usual two-way role moving forward, barring similar circumstances. Ohtani, for his part, was surprised when informed of the decision but was on board with the reasoning.

The benefit, Roberts noted, is focus and rhythm. Pitching only “gives him the best chance to stay loose during the outing,” allowing Ohtani to concentrate fully on navigating a Mets lineup as the Dodgers push for a sweep.

Snell trending up

While Ohtani headlines the present, Blake Snell continues to inch toward impacting the future.

Snell threw two innings, 30 pitches, in a live batting practice session Wednesday at Dodger Stadium, a clear step forward after a shorter outing over the weekend. The incremental buildup is another encouraging sign for a Dodgers club that has thrived despite missing key pieces.

At 14–3, the Dodgers have leaned on depth early, and Snell’s progress suggests that depth could soon become even more formidable.

Díaz is available

On the other hand, the late innings could come with a familiar soundtrack.

Edwin Díaz is available Wednesday after not pitching since Friday, when he blew a three-run save. If the situation calls for it, there’s a chance the Dodgers’ closer will take the mound against his former team, and with it, the possibility of hearing the signature trumpets at Dodger Stadium against the Mets.

Edwin Díaz #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers signals a strike during an MLB game against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium on April 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Steven Park - The Sporting Tribune

Edwin Díaz #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers signals a strike during an MLB game against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium on April 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

The bottom line

For one night, the Dodgers are simplifying things for Ohtani — one role, one focus, one goal. The shoulder is manageable, the long-term plan unchanged, and the immediate objective clear: secure the sweep.

Behind that, reinforcements like Snell are getting closer, and the bullpen, potentially punctuated by Díaz, is lining up for another high-leverage moment.

If all goes according to plan, Wednesday night will be less about what Ohtani isn’t doing, and more about what he still does better than almost anyone: dominate on the mound.