Dodgers Scratch Ohtani’s Pitching Start; He Will DH

The Los Angeles Dodgers just can’t seem to catch a break lately. Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani got scratched from his scheduled pitching start against the Pittsburgh Pirates because of a stubborn illness.

Ohtani still served as designated hitter and actually delivered a solid night at the plate. The Dodgers, though, dropped this one 3-0, and their recent struggles have really tightened the NL West race.

Let’s dig into Ohtani’s status, the Dodgers’ injury mess, and what all this might mean for their playoff hopes—because it’s getting tense.

Shohei Ohtani’s Illness Forces a Change in Plans

Ohtani was supposed to pitch, but persistent weakness and a deep cough forced him out of his spot on the mound. Manager Dave Roberts explained that pitching while feeling lousy—and possibly dehydrated—just wasn’t worth the risk.

The team chose to put Ohtani’s long-term health first, which feels like the right call. Even feeling under the weather, he still hit as the designated hitter and picked up two of the Dodgers’ five hits.

His bat matters a lot to Los Angeles, especially now, with their offense sputtering.

Ohtani’s Recent Offensive Form

The night before, Ohtani showed off with a three-hit game in a 9-7 loss, including his 100th home run as a Dodger. Against Pittsburgh, he doubled in the fifth and hustled on the bases, going from first to second on a fly out.

Even sick, he’s just relentlessly competitive. It’s hard not to admire that.

Emmet Sheehan Steps In on the Mound

With Ohtani out, Emmet Sheehan got the nod. The young righty gave the Dodgers a chance, holding the Pirates to two runs on five hits over 4 2/3 innings and striking out six.

But the bats didn’t show up, and the Dodgers got shut out. That’s been a theme lately, hasn’t it?

Missed Opportunities at the Plate

The Dodgers could only muster five hits, with Ohtani getting two of them. Lately, runs have been rare, and timely hitting just isn’t happening when they need it most.

Injury Concerns Deepen with Will Smith’s Early Exit

Things got even tougher when All-Star catcher Will Smith left early after taking a pitch to the hand. X-rays were negative, no fracture, but the team’s going to keep a close eye on him.

Even a short-term absence from Smith could put more pressure on a lineup already dealing with health issues and shaky production.

Dodgers’ Struggles in the Standings

Four losses in their last five games have shrunk their lead in the NL West. The Padres are right on their heels, and the pressure is ramping up as the season winds down.

Manager Dave Roberts keeps saying the team has to focus on what they can control and just find a way out of this funk. Easier said than done, right?

• Ohtani is day-to-day as a pitcher, with no set timetable for his return to the mound.
• Will Smith’s hand injury appears minor but will be evaluated daily.
• The team’s offense must step up to support a pitching staff facing sudden changes.
• NL West standings remain tight, increasing urgency for every game.

Final Thoughts

For the Dodgers, these kinds of weeks can really shape a season. Everyone’s going to keep a close eye on Ohtani’s health, since his pitching is just something you can’t replace in the rotation.

Will Smith’s condition is still up in the air. That makes the next series feel like more than just a few games—it’s a shot to get some momentum back before September turns up the heat.

The NL West doesn’t leave much room for mistakes. Los Angeles knows it can’t let this slump drag on any longer.

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