Dodgers May Rest Shohei Ohtani From Lineup on Pitching Days

Shohei Ohtani’s 53-game on-base streak ended the same night he threw six scoreless innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 3-0 loss to the San Francisco Giants.

Manager Dave Roberts emphasized a long-term view, balancing Ohtani’s two-way talents with his health. The slugging star signaled he’s ready to contribute as a hitter when needed, but he’s open to occasional roles that keep him in the lineup while protecting his well-being.

This article recaps the milestones, checks in on how the Dodgers hope to use Ohtani moving forward, and glances at the supporting cast and lineup choices as the club navigates a stretch of mixed results.

Ohtani’s streak-ending night: six scoreless innings and a 3-0 setback

Shohei Ohtani delivered a dominant performance on the mound, logging six scoreless innings in a game that ended with a 3-0 defeat to the Giants. The loss snapped his remarkable 53-game on-base streak, a feat that had really defined the Dodgers’ offense early in the season.

That streak had tied Shawn Green for the second-longest in Dodgers history. Even with the on-base run ending, his mound work stayed elite—reminding everyone why the Dodgers see him as a rare two-way asset.

After the game, the numbers painted a clear picture of a pitcher who still dominates batters. Ohtani has posted a 0.38 ERA over 24 innings, with 25 strikeouts and just six walks.

He’s 2-0 on the season, which says a lot about how much his pitching helps Los Angeles even when the offense isn’t clicking. The batting line, though, shows the delicate balance the Dodgers must strike: the on-base streak came to a close, and his batting average dipped from .271 to .258.

Balancing the two-way role: Roberts’ cautious, flexible plan

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts keeps emphasizing that Ohtani’s health comes first. He wants flexibility to maximize Ohtani as a two-way player.

Roberts hinted at a day-to-day approach. Ohtani could pitch on certain days but sit out as a hitter, or maybe shift to a different batting spot—sometimes even serving as a designated hitter.

The goal is to preserve Ohtani’s long-term stamina while still using his instincts on both sides of the ball. Ohtani himself said he’s ready to hit when he starts but doesn’t mind alternate roles if it helps the team.

That openness reflects a bigger strategic mindset—if a different arrangement keeps him healthier or creates better matchups, it’s worth a shot. Roberts pointed out that some soreness after being hit by a pitch had prompted a lineup sit-down, which just reinforces the team’s measured approach.

Historical context, current numbers, and what they mean for the lineup

Ohtani’s on-base streak belonged to a special chapter in Dodgers history. It was the longest MLB stretch since Orlando Cabrera’s 63 games in 2006.

The Dodgers want him contributing with both the bat and the mound. His current batting average sits at .258, a dip from earlier in the season, while his pitcher’s numbers stand out: a 0.38 ERA, 25 strikeouts, and six walks across 24 innings.

Those combined stats are why the Dodgers value his two-way versatility so highly, even if the offense hits a rough patch now and then.

Supporting pieces and practical lineup decisions

Depth behind Ohtani keeps the Dodgers balanced. Catcher Dalton Rushing has stepped up as a valuable DH option, hitting a strong .414 with seven homers and 13 RBIs.

He gives the club a real power-and-contact alternative in the lineup. With Los Angeles dropping four of five games, Roberts said all options are open—moving Ohtani in the order, giving him five at-bats on pitching days, or just finding ways to get the most out of his bat when he’s in there.

This decision-making feels practical, honestly. It’s data-driven, but it’s also just about getting the most from a player whose value doesn’t fit in a neat box.

• Key takeaway: Ohtani’s two-way value is still unmatched, even when the on-base streak breaks or the numbers dip for a bit.
• Key takeaway: The Dodgers will keep juggling health and productivity, shifting Ohtani’s role or lineup spot as needed.
• Key takeaway: Depth pieces like Dalton Rushing really do add punch from the DH spot, letting the lineup handle any changes in Ohtani’s usage.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers might keep Ohtani out of lineup during pitching starts