Dodgers’ Dave Roberts reportedly switches Shohei Ohtani plan vs. Astros after 0-17 slump originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers are starting to find their rhythm again, but Shohei Ohtani is going through a rough patch at the plate—something every player experiences. Balancing the demands of being both a pitcher and a full-time hitter isn’t easy. In fact, his best start this season came when he wasn’t in the lineup as a hitter.

“Shohei Ohtani struck out 10 as the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night, when he was held out of the lineup as designated hitter after getting hit by a pitch this week. His 22 swing and misses against the New York Mets were a career high with the Dodgers. He struck out the side in the sixth inning on 14 pitches in the Dodgers’ 8-2 victory. The right-hander allowed one run and two hits in six innings. It was the first time since May 28, 2021, with the Los Angeles Angels that Ohtani has not been in the batting lineup during a mound start,” WFTV’s Beth Harris wrote.

Since then, there has been an ongoing question about whether Ohtani should both pitch and hit in the same game. Heading into Tuesday’s contest, the original plan was for him to do both.

“Dave Roberts said he is leaning towards having Shohei Ohtani also hit when he makes his next pitching start Tuesday in Houston,” Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett posted.

However, after Monday night’s game, manager Dave Roberts appears to have changed course, opting to let Ohtani focus solely on pitching.

“Dave Roberts said pregame he was gonna have Shohei Ohtani DH during his pitching start tomorrow. But after tonight’s game, he said they’re gonna change course and just have Ohtani pitch. Ohtani had a couple walks tonight, but went hitless again and is 0-for-17 in last 5 games,” Dodgers beat writer Jack Harris posted.

This adjustment could be exactly what Ohtani needs—a brief break from hitting to reset at the plate. Taking the mound against the Houston Astros may help shift his focus away from his recent struggles.

There is little doubt that Ohtani will eventually find his rhythm again at the plate. Tuesday’s outing will serve as another test to determine whether focusing solely on pitching during his starts is the best approach moving forward.

More MLB news:

• Mets ace Freddy Peralta receives significant trade update after MLB’s worst start to the season

• Braves reportedly trapped with struggling $9.5M reliever who continues to ‘hurt’ team every outing

• Dodgers manager Dave Roberts makes major Shohei Ohtani pitching announcement for next start

• Blue Jays-Astros trade pitch sends $115M World Series champion, Silver Slugger to Toronto