Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani made his second pitching start Sunday against the Washington Nationals.
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Ohtani went one inning as he continues to build back up. The 18-pitch performance featured 12 strikes, no earned runs and no hits.
The right-hander threw his first strikeout as a Dodger against Luis Garcia Jr. Ohtani’s second start on the mound was much sharper than his first, and he would’ve retired the side in order had Mookie Betts not dropped a pop-up because of the sun.
Ohtani continued to display his greatness as he went 2-for-5 with a home run, triple, three runs and five RBIs Sunday.
It took just over two minutes between Ohtani’s pitching performance and the Dodgers’ two-way star leading off in the bottom of the first. There are several people wondering whether that kind of quick transition is sustainable for Ohtani.
Manager Dave Roberts admitted the Dodgers could move Ohtani down in the lineup in order to preserve the two-way star; however, the unicorn of Major League Baseball has showed no signs of slowing down, according to the Dodgers skipper.
“I think right now we’ll play it status quo, but you know coming out of this one (start against the Nationals) it might make more sense to drop to second or third or fourth,” Roberts said of moving Ohtani out of the leadoff role. “But right now, we’ll remain status quo. I have not seen signs of fatigue.”
More news: Dave Roberts Doesn’t Believe Shohei Ohtani’s Hitting Struggles Coincide With Pitching Return
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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7 Responses
He should be in the 3 hole EVERY GAME. Roberts is an idiot
Per Sabermetrics, the third spot should belong to a high WRC+ producer, which is of course Ohtani. His 174 mark is the fifth best in baseball, so I completely agree he should be batting No. 3
I’ve seen a lot of negative press about Ohtani only pitching an inning yesterday and also about him hitting first in the lineup. Looking from the outside in, we should let Roberts do his thing. Shohei won the MVP last year batting first. He has scored How many runs this year? 76! He is leading all of baseball by NINE runs scored. How about OBP? NINTH in all of baseball, FIFTH in the NL! Nah. He needs to bat first. That is pretty much an open and shut case until he gets to the three-inning level in his pitching. Maybe then you move him down one or two notches when he pitches. Leadoff when he doesn’t.
As for his one inning and then done? He cannot; and should not progress very quickly since he is our DH also. I would think that because he did really well his second start he could be bumped up to two innings. Slow is the way to go. Sheehan is probably going to be called back up for a start; and Glasnow and Snell are on the way. We want a healthy rotation going into the post season. We also need Shohei to be our DH. Let’s not get over-anxious.
Let Rushing be the DH on days Ohtani pitches or even Smith and have Rushing catch. I also wonder why Ohtani bats 1st when his power and HR production dictates more runners be on base when he bats. Batting 2nd or 3rd makes lots of sense to me unless Roberts is trying to cover the bottom of the order men on base with the #1 slot.
I agree that statistically it makes much more sense for him to be in the 3 hole, or even 2 hole. I think what you said about Roberts covering the bottom of the order is more the reason for it plus the amount of opportunities that present themselves later in games. Also one of Smith or Rushing as DH would be interesting to try out down the line!
I also have Mookie back in RF (his average will go back up with less to worry about than at SS), Kim on 2B, Edman at SS (or interchange the two), Teoscar to LF with Pages in CF. That should cover defense and offense on a regular basis. The pitching is a disaster, though. After all offseason trading and money spent, the Dodgers are now starting minor leaguers and big league castoffs to say nothing of the relievers. Maybe by the playoffs, most of the hurlers will be back in shape (where are Treinen, Phillips, Graterol?) . At least Kike can fill in when needed (HA!). They did win the WS last year with this setup, but hey. My last big idea is to make me Manager (just kidding about it).
The pitching injuries have only followed the Dodgers into the 2025 season, but Andrew Friedman said he is hoping many key arms return down the stretch (just depends on their recovery progress). Treinen threw a bullpen recently, but Phillips is out for the year. Graterol is hoping to make his season debut in the playoffs, similar to last season.