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Shohei Ohtani Embraces Pitching-Only Role Amid Slump
TL;DR
Shohei Ohtani is focusing solely on pitching amid a hitting slump, having pitched well in three of his last four starts. He has a .226 batting average since April 15 and is currently on a 17 at-bat hitless streak.
Key points
- Shohei Ohtani is focusing on pitching due to hitting struggles.
- He has pitched well in three of his last four starts.
- Ohtani's offensive performance includes a .226 batting average.
- He is hitless in his last 17 at-bats.
- Ohtani has a .715 OPS since April 15.
Shohei OhtaniLos Angeles DodgersHouston Astros
May 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) walk off the mound at the end of the first inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani said he understands why the team kept him out of the lineup for his start against the Houston Astros on Tuesday.
Ohtani has exclusively pitched in three of his last four starts, and has performed well in each of them, pitching 19 innings and allowing five runs during that stretch with 27 strikeouts. His offense during that time, though, is a different story.
He’s slashing .226/.360/.355 for a .715 OPS since April 15 with just one home run, and is hitless in his last 17 at-bats.
“If I was hitting well, I’m sure the team would want me to pitch and hit as well,” Ohtani said. “But I understand, in a situation where [they’re saying], ‘Hey, just focus on pitching, turn the page on the hitting.’ I understand that the team might think like that.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, though, said the decision to withhold Ohtani from the lineup wasn’t directly correlated to his recent offensive struggles.
“Just kind of seeing how it’s playing out, I think it’s best for everyone,” . “Definitely not results. It’s a little bit more body language and just watching the player.”
Q&A
Why is Shohei Ohtani only pitching now?
Ohtani is focusing on pitching due to a slump in his hitting performance.
What are Shohei Ohtani's recent pitching statistics?
In his last four starts, Ohtani has pitched 19 innings, allowing five runs and recording 27 strikeouts.
How has Shohei Ohtani performed offensively since April 15?
Ohtani has a .226 batting average with a .715 OPS and has hit only one home run since April 15.
What is Shohei Ohtani's current hitting streak?
Ohtani is currently on a 17 at-bat hitless streak.
