Dodgers Urged to Keep Ohtani as Pitcher-Only

Manager Dave Roberts faces calls to make Shohei Ohtani's pitching-only role permanent this season.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:25pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange conveying the raw athleticism and strategic considerations behind the Dodgers' decision to limit Ohtani to pitching.The Dodgers' decision to limit Shohei Ohtani to pitching duties reflects the team's focus on preserving his arm strength and durability for the long season ahead.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers are focusing on keeping star player Shohei Ohtani healthy and available as a starting pitcher for the rest of the 2026 season. After Ohtani was struck by a pitch earlier in the week, the team decided to have him pitch without hitting in their series finale against the Mets on Wednesday.

Why it matters

Ohtani's dual role as both a starting pitcher and power hitter has made him one of the most unique and valuable players in Major League Baseball. However, the Dodgers are prioritizing keeping him healthy and effective on the mound, which could mean a permanent shift to a pitching-only role for the remainder of the year.

The details

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he would encourage Ohtani to not hit at all when he is scheduled to start on the mound for the rest of the 2026 season. This is a departure from Ohtani's typical two-way player status, where he pitches and hits regularly. The team wants to ensure Ohtani's arm stays fresh and he can contribute as many innings as possible as a starting pitcher.

  • On Wednesday, April 17, 2026, Ohtani made a start on the mound but did not hit after being struck by a pitch earlier in the week.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is known for his unique ability to both pitch and hit at a high level in Major League Baseball.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers who is considering making Ohtani a pitcher-only player for the remainder of the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“I would encourage him to not hit at all when he starts (pitching) the rest of the year”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Ohtani's health and performance as they decide whether to keep him in a pitcher-only role for the rest of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Ohtani's unique two-way abilities have made him one of the most valuable players in baseball, but the Dodgers are prioritizing keeping him healthy as a starting pitcher even if it means sacrificing his hitting contributions for the remainder of the year.