After throwing seven scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ 4-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants, Ohtani acknowledged that while his pitching remains dominant, he still expects more from himself as a hitter. “First and foremost, the fact that I’m not injured, that’s a good thing,” Ohtani said, via Sportsnet LA. “I do want to contribute more offensively. I haven’t done so this year, so I’m looking forward to doing that.”

The outing lowered Ohtani’s ERA to 0.82 through seven starts, one of the best marks in baseball, while helping Los Angeles snap a four-game losing streak against a Giants team that had entered the series with momentum.

Ohtani continues Cy Young-level dominance for Dodgers

Despite his offensive inconsistency, Ohtani has looked nearly untouchable as a pitcher during the early portion of the season. Against San Francisco, the Dodgers star struck out eight batters, allowed four hits, and leaned heavily on his fastball and sweeper while completing seven scoreless innings.

Ohtani has now completed seven innings in consecutive starts after not surpassing six innings at any point last season while recovering from elbow surgery. The Dodgers have continued managing his workload carefully with a six-man rotation and additional rest days away from the lineup.

Dodgers balancing Ohtani’s workload amid offensive slump

Ohtani didn’t appear in the batting lineup during Wednesday’s start and is also expected to sit out the series finale as the Dodgers attempt to help him reset offensively.

The 31-year-old recently endured a 13-game home run drought and has produced only seven home runs with a .796 OPS so far this season, numbers below the standard he established over the past several years.

Still, Ohtani expressed confidence in his overall condition while emphasizing that he can still impact games through pitching if his bat is not producing consistently. “Ideal situation is to be great on both sides of the ball,” Ohtani said. “But how I look at it is, if I’m not contributing offensively, then I know I can contribute on the pitching side of things.”

After the game, Ohtani acknowledged the reasoning behind the approach. “If there was a situation where I was hitting well, I’m sure the team would want me to pitch and hit as well. I understand in this situation where just focus on the pitching, turn the page on hitting, I understand that the team might think like that.” he said through his interpreter, according to SportsNet LA.

The outing itself was strong. Ohtani delivered seven innings, his longest appearance of the season, allowing just two runs while striking out eight batters. However, a lack of run support once again proved costly, as the Dodgers managed only one run in the loss.

Strong performance on the mound highlights Ohtani’s value

Despite taking the loss, Ohtani showed why the Dodgers trust him in a pitching-focused role. He allowed only four hits across seven innings, with the damage limited to solo home runs by Christian Walker and Braden Shewmake.

The outing reinforced his ability to control games from the mound, especially at a time when the team is searching for consistency. With zero walks and efficient command, Ohtani demonstrated the kind of dominance that can anchor the rotation.

Offensive struggles influence Dodgers’ strategy

At the plate, Ohtani has been part of the broader struggles affecting the Dodgers’ lineup. The reigning MVP is hitting .240 with a .382 on-base percentage, along with six home runs and 14 RBIs this season.

More notably, he is in the middle of a slump, going hitless in his last five games (0-for-17). That stretch has likely influenced the team’s decision to temporarily limit his role and allow him to reset offensively while continuing to contribute as a pitcher.

As the series continues, Ohtani is expected to return to the lineup as a hitter, but for now, the Dodgers appear focused on managing his workload and maximizing his effectiveness in one role at a time.

Prior to the game, Roberts informed the media that Ohtani would pull double duty as a two-way player on Tuesday, but he shifted plans following the victory, announcing that the Japanese superstar will focus solely on his start on the mound.

Ohtani put together a productive performance in the opener, recording two runs, two walks, and two RBIs. Despite going hitless in three at-bats, his presence helped fuel an 8-3 victory on Monday.

While other clubs are scrambling to find a rhythm—like the New York Mets, who recently found some relief after beating the Colorado Rockies—the Dodgers remain focused on their World Series title defense.

Ohtani’s performance on the mound

As one of the few players capable of elite production as both a pitcher and a hitter, Ohtani is proving that the years spent developing his two-way talent with the Angels have reached a peak in Los Angeles.

With the Dodgers’ coaching staff fully trusting him in the rotation, Ohtani has pitched to a 2-1 record across five starts. His numbers on the hill have been dominant, posting 34 strikeouts, a 0.60 ERA, and a 0.87 WHIP through 30.0 innings.

Now, with the Japanese standout set to focus entirely on the mound, the Astros will need to overhaul their offensive strategy if they hope to bounce back and take the second game of the series.

Roberts responded indirectly to Counsell’s comments, saying: “The thing is it certainly benefits us because we have the player… We’re more than willing for other teams to go out and find a player who can do both. He’s an exception because he’s an exceptional player. It is what it is.”

Roberts’ remarks were shared by Fabian Ardaya, who asked the Los Angeles Dodgers manager about Counsell’s earlier comments ahead of a game in Los Angeles. Counsell had not only labeled the “Ohtani rule” as bizarre, but also questioned his understanding of it, suggesting it creates a notable advantage for the Dodgers.

What Counsell said about the Ohtani rule

For Counsell, the rule gives teams like the Dodgers a unique edge when they have a player like Ohtani, allowing him to contribute both offensively and defensively under special conditions. However, the rule is not exclusive to Los Angeles, as any team can benefit from it if they roster a qualifying two-way player, such as Shota Imanaga for the Cubs.

“I’ve never understood it,” Counsell said. “It’s an offensive rule, essentially. It’s a rule to help offense, more than anything, if you ask me. And then there’s one team that’s allowed to carry basically one of both, and he gets special consideration, which is probably the most bizarre rule. For one team.”

MLB’s two-way player rule allows versatile players like Ohtani to pitch and hit without taking up a traditional pitcher roster spot. To qualify, a player must log at least 20 innings pitched and appear in at least 20 games as a hitter with three or more plate appearances over the current or previous two seasons. This designation effectively gives teams added roster flexibility when deploying elite two-way talent.

The Japanese star, in doing so, matched the achievement of “Wee” Willie Keeler, posting the third-longest streak in Dodgers history since 1900. Ohtani firmly etches his name into the franchise’s all-time history.

“I was hoping he’d get that last at-bat and give him an opportunity to change the game,” manager Dave Roberts said to the press. “And he found a way to get on base. It was good to see it, and that’s quite the streak. And you’ve got to be pretty dang good to do something like that. He’s in a class by himself.”

Dodgers nearly let the game slip away

The Colorado Rockies defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night. Despite early home runs from Kyle Tucker and Dalton Rushing that gave the Dodgers a 3-1 lead, Colorado’s bullpen shut them down for the final seven innings.

The game finally was decided in the sixth inning when Troy Johnston hit a clutch two-run double to put the Rockies ahead for good.

More records for Ohtani

Since joining the franchise, Shohei Ohtani has completely rewritten the Dodgers’ record books. He holds the single-season franchise record for home runs (55) and extra-base hits (99), and he famously became the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50/50 season (54 HRs and 59 SBs) in 2024.

“Twenty minutes before first pitch, he said, ‘Hey, go hit a home run today.’ I said, ‘Alright Sho, I got you.’ Sure enough, it happened in my last at-bat,” Rushing told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain following the victory.

Rushing’s blast provided the exclamation point on a contest that was already well in hand, ending in an 8-2 rout. The young catcher didn’t just provide the fireworks; he turned in a massive box-score performance against the New York pitching staff. Finishing 2-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored, Rushing solidified himself as the standout performer in Wednesday’s finale.

While Edwin Diaz raised concerns for the Dodgers, the real story remains the sheer depth of the Los Angeles roster. Manager Dave Roberts continues to find production from every corner of the clubhouse, a luxury that has separated the Dodgers from the rest of the league early this season.

Is Ohtani pacing toward another MVP campaign?

Ohtani remains the perennial focal point of the MVP conversation. By continuing to redefine the boundaries of the sport, he has made it nearly impossible to discuss the greatest players in baseball history without mentioning his name first.

Currently, Ohtani is slashing .254/.402/.508 with a .910 OPS, figures that mirror his previous MVP-winning campaigns. Through 64 at-bats, he has tallied five home runs and 16 hits, proving to be the engine that drives the high-powered Dodgers offense.

Rushing’s historic start to the season

In just his second big-league season, Rushing is making a loud case for more playing time, launching four home runs in a mere 17 at-bats, trailing Ohtani by just one for the team lead. His early-season slash line of .529/.556/1.353 (1.908 OPS) with nine hits and seven runs scored is nothing short of historic for a reserve player.

Rushing’s breakout provides the Dodgers with a lethal offensive alternative in a lineup that is already among the most feared in the game. His confidence at the plate has turned him into a key asset for Roberts as the Dodgers continue their surge through the National League.

Before taking the mound, the Japanese sensation took an extended period to prepare for his start. As Springer waited at the dish, he engaged in a heated-looking discussion with the home plate umpire.

While fans initially speculated that the Blue Jays veteran was frustrated with Ohtani’s delay, a prominent MLB insider has now shed light on what actually transpired.

“I was told by two people directly involved this morning that Springer was not complaining at all,” MLB insider Ken Rosenthal revealed. “George Springer was simply asking the home plate umpire for clarification that Shohei Ohtani indeed gets more time to warm up.”

With those details emerging, a situation that set social media ablaze appears to have been a simple misunderstanding. Regardless of the optics, the Blue Jays secured a much-needed win as they continue to navigate a roster decimated by a massive early-season injury list.

Dodgers’ manager weighed in

Despite the clarification that Springer wasn’t acting out of frustration, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also weighed in on the logistics surrounding his two-way superstar.

“Since the World Series, there have been comments around how much time Ohtani gets to ready himself to pitch after hitting,” Roberts told reporters. “But he’s been on the basepaths, so there should be some grace, which I think the umpires try to give him. If you’re on the other side, of course, you’d want to rush it.“

Roberts’ comments only added fuel to the fire on social media, where fans continue to debate whether the league offers Ohtani or the Dodgers preferential treatment. Controversy aside, the reality remains that the Blue Jays walked away with the win.

Ohtani is still recovering from an elbow procedure in September 2023, and the Dodgers are limiting his starts early in the season. “The Dodgers are taking a conservative approach with Ohtani to keep him healthy,” reported Katie Woo of The Athletic, emphasizing the team’s focus on long-term performance over immediate numbers.

The two-way star didn’t pitch in 2024 and appeared in only 14 regular-season games last year. While he performed well, the Dodgers are deliberately spacing out his starts and monitoring his innings to maximize his impact in October, ensuring he is fully prepared for the postseason, after Ohtani’s 11-K outing shifted from Spring Training test to Dodgers necessity.

Managing Ohtani’s workload strategically

The Dodgers are balancing Ohtani’s dual roles as a pitcher and hitter carefully. By spacing out his starts and monitoring his innings, they aim to reduce fatigue while still leveraging his unique abilities. This measured approach reflects a broader philosophy: the team isn’t holding him back out of fear, but rather engineering his availability for maximum impact in critical games.

Postseason preparation over regular-season stats

While Ohtani’s early-season numbers may not reflect his full talent, the strategy ensures he peaks at the right moment. The Dodgers are confident that when October arrives, their two-way star will be at his best, both on the mound and at the plate, giving Los Angeles a key advantage in the playoff race. The plan is less about immediate statistics and more about ensuring dominance when it matters most.

According to MLB.com, manager Dave Roberts said, “He’s ready to go,” after Ohtani showed sharper intensity and execution in the Spring Training finale against the Los Angeles Angels.

The right-hander allowed three runs over four-plus innings but demonstrated command and the ability to overpower hitters, and afterward Roberts revealed the blueprint for Shohei Ohtani’s first Dodgers start.

Ohtani struck out six straight between the second and fourth innings, using a mix of pitches that included a curveball Roberts said helped “slow hitters down.” His ability to handle both left- and right-handed bats suggests he’s prepared for a larger role as the Dodgers navigate early-season injuries.

From buildup phase to immediate impact

Ohtani’s outing reflected more than routine spring work. After spending the offseason focused on strength rather than rehab, he appears physically ready and mentally sharper from months studying the game from the sidelines.

Dodgers rotation now depends on Ohtani

The Dodgers’ pitching situation has forced a shift in approach. With Snell and Stone expected to miss time, the team has limited flexibility and must rely more heavily on available arms.

Roberts acknowledged the challenge, noting the team must manage workloads carefully while still covering innings. Ohtani, who has identified 25 starts as an ideal target this season, now becomes a key piece in stabilizing both the rotation and a bullpen expected to carry a heavy load early.

Roberts has already laid out the blueprint for the two-way superstar’s season debut. “Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch more than seven innings in his first start,” Roberts said, cited by Dodgers Nation.

For the Guardians, the challenge remains daunting; they’ll spend the next week prepping for a triple-digit heater that hasn’t lost any of its bite during the layoff.

Despite the fans’ eagerness to see Ohtani “toe the rubber” on Day 1, the assignment naturally falls to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the reigning World Series MVP. However, Ohtani won’t be idle; he’ll be anchored at the top of the lineup doing what he does best, punishing baseballs.

While Ohtani looks locked in, Roberts recently addressed the spring struggles of fellow countryman Roki Sasaki, noting the young right-hander is still finding his rhythm ahead of the regular season.

Ohtani’s projections: Another MVP-caliber campaign?

Ohtani enters the 2026 season looking to shake off a bittersweet World Baseball Classic. While Japan’s run ended in a stunning quarterfinal exit at the hands of eventual champion Venezuela, Ohtani’s individual performance was nothing short of legendary.

He posted a .462 average and a 1.231 OPS, tied for the tournament lead with three home runs.The momentum is expected to carry into the MLB regular season.

According to Baseball Reference projections, Ohtani is slated for a massive 2026:

Spring training: Ohtani’s arm is back

If his spring training performance is any indication, Ohtani’s pitching is back to elite form. In two spring starts spanning 8.1 innings, he flashed a 3.24 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP.

Most impressively, he fanned 15 batters and touched 99.9 MPH on the radar gun. For a Dodgers team eyeing a three-peat, those numbers are the ultimate “good omen.”

Team Venezuela also arrives in strong form after posting a 3-1 record in the group stage. However, the Venezuelan squad could not secure the top spot in Pool D after falling to the Dominican Republic in the final game of the first round.

Now, Japan and Venezuela will meet in Miami for a highly anticipated matchup with a place in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic on the line. An early blockbuster duel between two contenders.

What happens if Team Japan loses vs Venezuela in 2026 WBC?

If Japan and Shohei Ohtani lose to Venezuela, their run in the 2026 World Baseball Classic will come to an end. The quarterfinals are played under a single-elimination format, meaning the losing team is immediately eliminated while the winner advances to the semifinals.

What happens if Team Japan wins vs Venezuela?

If Team Japan defeats Venezuela, a spot in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic would be guaranteed. Ohtani’s squad will face the winner of Italy vs Puerto Rico for a place in the final.