Shohei Ohtani held the Miami Marlins to two runs (one earned) in six innings of work last week, but was out of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for only the second time this season.
That was due in part to Ohtani making his first pitching start of the year on shorter rest in order to allow for Tyler Glasnow to get extra time between outings.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated over the weekend that Ohtani would likely be in the lineup when he pitches Tuesday against the Houston Astros. He reasoned the change in strategy from Ohtani’s previous pitching start stemmed partly from the team only playing six games in a row instead of 13.
But after another hitless night for Ohtani, Roberts revealed on SportsNet LA he’s reversed course. Ohtani now is only due to pitch at at Daikin Park on Tuesday night. Roberts said he arrived at the decision during the series opener and is looking to “take that off his plate” after watching Ohtani’s body language and quality of at-bats.
Ohtani went 0-for-3 but did draw two walks in the Dodgers’ 8-3 win. The rest of their offense found better success compared to recent results, which included snapping their home run drought at six games.
The Dodgers skipper previously downplayed the team’s recent offensive struggles as a factor with the initial expectation for Ohtani to resume two-way responsibilities against the Astros.
“Not really, no,” Roberts began. “I think for me, I think I do a good job of not really letting the moment as far as what the team is doing, influence a decision. It’s based on him.”
Shohei Ohtani named NL Pitcher of the Month
Ohtani was named National League Pitcher of the Month for March/April, marking the first time he has earned the honor in his career.
The four-time MVP went 2-1 with a 0.60 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in five starts during the span he was recognized for. Ohtani collected 34 strikeouts against nine walks, allowed 17 hits and held opponents to a .160 batting average in 30 innings pitched.
Among pitchers with at least five starts, Ohtani led the Majors in ERA, tied for the Major League lead
in fewest runs allowed (four), ranked sixth in fewest hits allowed and seventh in WHIP.
Ohtani now is one of six Japanese-born pitchers to win Pitcher of the Month (10 times total). He joined Yoshinobu Yamamoto (September 2025), Yu Darvish (July and August 2020, September and October 2022), Hideki Irabu (May 1998, July 1999), Hideo Nomo (June 1995, September 1996) and Masahiro Tanaka (May 2014).
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