Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed on Tuesday (Japan time Wednesday) that Shohei Ohtani is expected to be absent from the lineup as a hitter for the upcoming home games against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday and Friday (Japan time Friday and Saturday). “It’s a simple idea that it might be better to slightly reduce the batting load. The final decision hasn’t been made yet, but we’re leaning toward not having him hit for the next two days,” Roberts said.
Ohtani started as the designated hitter and leadoff batter in Tuesday’s game against the Giants. Roberts indicated that Ohtani is likely to focus solely on pitching in Thursday’s game, skipping his batting duties. Furthermore, the manager confirmed that Ohtani will sit out Friday’s game entirely for rest, marking his first scheduled day off this season. “This is when the quality of his at-bats has consistently declined. That’s a sign he needs rest. Whether it’s mechanical or mental, he’s not executing the game plan and is chasing more pitches,” Roberts explained. However, he added that Ohtani could still be available as a late-game pinch hitter if the situation demands.
Ohtani has been struggling at the plate. Before Tuesday’s game, he took outdoor batting practice for the third time this season, launching 17 home runs out of 52 swings. But in the game, he went 0-for-5, extending his homerless streak to 11 games and 51 plate appearances. Over his last 23 games (111 plate appearances), he has managed just one home run. “His batting practice was good, but once the game started, he reverted to his recent form. Right now, a typical example is he’s trying to break out by just swinging hard. I understand that mindset, but pitchers aren’t giving him hittable pitches when he’s in a dangerous zone,” Roberts analyzed.
