Overview
- The Dodgers, who reversed course after Monday’s game, will have Shohei Ohtani pitch only Tuesday against the Astros.
- Manager Dave Roberts said body language and the quality of Ohtani’s at-bats led him to take hitting off his plate to help him focus and rest.
- The team has not announced an injury, and Roberts said whether Ohtani hits on pitching days will be decided start by start.
- Ohtani has excelled on the mound with a 2–1 record, a 0.60 ERA, and a 0.87 WHIP through five starts, while he is 0-for-17 over his last five games at the plate and batting .240 this season.
- This shift reflects the strain of a true two-way workload, with coaches describing a balancing act as the Dodgers adjust how often he hits on days he pitches.