Shohei Ohtani is in the middle of another MVP-caliber season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, this time adding contributions as a pitcher to his production at the plate.
The two-way star has been a constant presence in the Dodgers lineup, all the while navigating a successful return to the mound and steadily increasing his workload.
Ohtani is scheduled to make his next start as a pitcher on Wednesday when the Dodgers continue their series with the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
It will be Ohtani’s final game in Colorado this season as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he is going to be out of the lineup on Thursday for rest purposes, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
Shohei Ohtani will be off on Thursday, Dave Roberts said. Will Smith will likely DH. It’s Ohtani’s first true off day this season (missed two games in April while on the paternity list).
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 20, 2025
Ohtani has only missed two games this season, both of which came in April when he was on the paternity list for the birth of his daughter.
The Dodgers have recently tried to maximize Ohtani’s effectiveness by starting him on the mound before an off day. The team doesn’t have a break in their this week, and thus are making a calculated decision to provide Ohtani with rest.
That’s all the more prudent when taking into account Thursday is an afternoon game at Coors Field, and it’s being followed by another pivotal series against the San Diego Padres.
Ohtani not playing on Thursday gives Will Smith a chance to stay in the lineup at designated hitter while Dalton Rushing also benefits with another start behind home plate.
Roberts recently said he is prioritizing getting Smith enough plate appearances to qualify for the National League batting title. Smith currently leads all NL players with a .308 batting average.
Shohei Ohtani’s 300th professional home run ball sold
Ohtani reached another milestone earlier this season when he hit the 300th home run of his professional career in the Dodgers’ 9-7 win over the Rockies on June 24.
Ohtani’s historic home run ball went up for bidding in the 2025 Lelands Summer Classic Auction that ran from July 27 through Aug. 16. The starting price was $25,000 and it ended up selling for $36,935.
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