Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Shohei Ohtani will not bat during his pitching start on Tuesday, reversing his earlier decision. This marks the third time this season that Ohtani will not hit on a day he pitches.
Key points
Dave Roberts reversed his decision on Ohtani batting.
Ohtani will not hit during his pitching start on Tuesday.
This is the third time Ohtani won't bat on a pitching day this season.
Roberts based his decision on Ohtani's body language and performance.
Los Angeles DodgersShohei OhtaniHouston AstrosArizona Diamondbacks
Sep 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani looks at manager Dave Roberts as he walks to the pitchers mound against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sep 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani looks at manager Dave Roberts as he walks to the pitchers mound against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Before Monday’s series opener, Roberts said Ohtani would be present both on the mound and in the lineup, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. After watching yesterday’s game, though, Roberts changed his mind. Tuesday’s game will mark the third time this season—as well as the third time in his last four starts—he won’t hit on a bump day.
“Just kind of seeing how it’s playing out, I think it’s best for everyone,” Roberts said. “Definitely not (based on) results. It’s a little bit more body language and just watching the player.”
Q&A
Why did Dave Roberts change his mind about Ohtani hitting?
Roberts cited observations of Ohtani's body language and performance as the reasons for his decision to not have Ohtani bat during his pitching start.
How many times has Ohtani not batted on his pitching days this season?
Ohtani will not bat for the third time this season on a day he pitches, which is also the third time in his last four starts.
What did Roberts say about Ohtani's performance before reversing his decision?
Roberts indicated that his decision was not based on results but rather on observing Ohtani's body language and overall performance.
When is Shohei Ohtani's next pitching start?
Ohtani's next pitching start is scheduled for Tuesday, following the announcement of his decision to not bat.
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Even if the decision were based on results, it would be somewhat understandable. Ohtani is hitless in his last 17 at-bats, and was one of just two batters in Monday’s game who didn’t record a hit. The MVP’s slump is understandable, as he has to dedicate his time to two different roles, thus giving him less time to correct his wrongs. He admitted to his struggles last week.
“When things are not going well, it’s not easy in the sense that I have to make sure that I’m healthy and not overdoing it in terms of repetition,” Ohtani said.
Sep 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani looks at manager Dave Roberts as he walks to the pitchers mound against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sep 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani looks at manager Dave Roberts as he walks to the pitchers mound against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
What Has Shohei Ohtani Done With the Bat This Season?
Despite his hitless streak to kick off May, Ohtani still has numbers well above league average on the season.
He has six homers on the season, also tallying 14 RBIs, and has a .814 OPS. He’s still managed to contribute offensively during his skid, walking six times in the last five games and driving in a run with a groundout on Monday.
While those numbers are a far cry from the MVP-caliber numbers he ordinarily puts up, Ohtani has endured several dry spells with the Dodgers and come out much better on the other side. He’ll hope to do the same against the Astros when he returns to the lineup Wednesday.
Has Ohtani Pitched Well When He’s Not in the Lineup?
The right-hander has made two starts while sitting out of the lineup, and both have been extremely impressive.
The first instance of him playing as a pitcher only came against the New York Mets on April 15, where he threw six innings of one-run baseball. He set his season high for strikeouts in that game with 10.
Ohtani batted during his next outing, but found himself out of the lineup once again for his most recent start against the Miami Marlins. He pitched six innings in that game as well, allowing two runs while striking out nine batters.
MLB’s only two-way player has pitched incredibly this season, and has been even better when he isn’t hitting. He’ll look to post similar results in his start against the Astros Tuesday, which comes at 5:10 p.m. PT.
What do you think of the Dodgers sitting Ohtani on pitching days?
