The Los Angeles Dodgers have proceeded carefully with Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher, limiting him to a pair of one-inning appearances.
While the Japanese superstar has looked healthy, hitting triple digits with his fastball, the Dodgers seem intent on sticking to that plan.
Manager Dave Roberts suggested Tuesday that Ohtaniâs next start could come Saturday in Kansas City against the Royals.
âWeâll see, weâll see,â Roberts said via the Associated Press. âIâve got to make sure I keep it open-ended.â
How Has Shohei Ohtani Fared Pitching?
On June 16 against the San Diego Padres â his first appearance on a big-league mound since 2023 â Ohtani allowed two hits and one run in an inning. Fourteen of his 28 pitches were clocked at or above 98 mph, and Ohtani topped out at 100.5 mph.
Ohtaniâs other start came June 22 against the Washington Nationals, when he struck out two over an 18-pitch scoreless inning.
Roberts, who is managing the National League in next monthâs All-Star Game in Atlanta, has already shut down the possibility of using Ohtani for an inning in the Midsummer Classic.
Ohtani, who is in the second year of a record 10-year, $700 million contract signed in 2024, did not pitch last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.
Will Shohei Ohtani Participate in the Home Run Derby?
Ohtani, 30, has been his usual self at the plate, slashing .282/.372/.579 with 27 home runs and 51 RBI. He is bidding to become the first player since Barry Bonds (2001-04) to win three straight MVP awards.
The defending World Series champions have the NLâs best record at 49-31, 4.5 games ahead of the second-place San Francisco Giants.
Ohtani remains the NLâs leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game, putting him on track to start at DH. The next phase of voting will continue until noon ET on Thursday.
Roberts was asked about Ohtani potentially participating in the Home Run Derby at Truist Park, but said heâll leave that decision to the slugger himself.
âThatâs a question for Shohei,â Roberts said via the AP. âIâm staying out of that.â
Ohtani last participated in the derby as a member of the Los Angeles Angels in 2021. He lost to Juan Soto in a swing-off, despite hitting 28 homers.
Ohtani declined to participate last season because of his surgically repaired elbow, but did not rule out participating again in the future.
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