Dodgers Look to Preserve Ohtani's Energy for Pitching Success
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is giving Shohei Ohtani occasional breathers from batting when he pitches, aiming to preserve his energy and maintain pitching performance. This approach comes after Ohtani endured a 0-for-17 hitless streak.
Key Details
- April 2026: Ohtani received a start as pitcher only, a lighter workload for the third time in his past four mound appearances.
- Pitching stats (through six starts): 0.97 ERA, 42+ strikeouts, nine walks, 6-for-6 in quality starts, .160 opponent batting average.
- Hitting stats (April): Six home runs, .406 OBP, .491 slugging.
"But [we're] just trying to respect the amount of effort he expends in his current role. To find a spot here and there to give him a slight breather seems like a smart thing to do from a longevity standpoint," a team source said.
Ohtani stated he does not believe pitching affects his hitting but understands the team's perspective.
"I don't think so, personally, that pitching has been affecting my hitting. But I understand, in a situation where [the team says], 'Hey, just focus on pitching, turn the page on hitting,' I understand the team might think like that," Ohtani said.
The decision is intended to respect the effort Ohtani expends as a two-way player and to give him slight breathers for longevity. The result: He could receive about 75 fewer plate appearances this season compared to last, potentially costing five to six home runs.
Background
Ohtani underwent elbow surgery in September 2023 and has since refined his mechanics—adopting a full windup with step-back, smoother arm swing, drop-and-drive delivery—to reduce stress on his arm. His fastball command has improved, with a career-high 98th percentile in four-seam value. Ohtani has expressed a goal of winning the Cy Young Award, which is on his personal baseball bucket list.