Shohei Ohtani Dominates on the Mound for Dodgers

Ohtani strikes out 10 over 6 innings, but sits as DH due to recent hit-by-pitch

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:07am by

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting Shohei Ohtani's pitching motion and batting stance, with sharp geometric planes and vibrant colors representing the dynamic nature of his game.Ohtani's two-way brilliance on full display as the Dodgers ace dominates on the mound while also providing a potent offensive threat.San Francisco Today

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani delivered another dominant pitching performance, allowing just one run on two hits and two walks while striking out 10 over six innings to earn the win against the New York Mets. However, Ohtani did not serve as the Dodgers' designated hitter due to lingering effects from being hit by a pitch in the previous game.

Why it matters

Ohtani's ability to excel both as a pitcher and hitter has made him one of the most unique and valuable players in Major League Baseball. The Dodgers are relying on Ohtani's elite pitching and hitting to power their quest for a World Series championship this season.

The details

Ohtani's lone blemish came on a ground-rule double by MJ Melendez in the fifth inning, as the Japanese star continues to dominate on the mound. Through three starts this season, Ohtani has a minuscule 0.50 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 18 strikeouts against 6 walks. The Dodgers opted to rest Ohtani as the DH on Wednesday, with Dalton Rushing filling that role instead, as Ohtani recovers from being hit by a pitch earlier in the week.

  • Ohtani earned the win on Wednesday, April 18, 2026.
  • Ohtani was hit by a pitch in the Dodgers' game against the Mets on Monday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A 31-year-old two-way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his elite pitching and hitting abilities.

Dalton Rushing

A Dodgers player who filled in as the designated hitter on Wednesday while Ohtani rested.

MJ Melendez

A New York Mets player who hit a ground-rule double off Ohtani in the fifth inning.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

David Peterson

A New York Mets pitcher who hit Ohtani with a pitch earlier in the week.

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What they’re saying

“The decision to have Ohtani out of the lineup was tied to when he was hit by a David Peterson pitch during Monday's game against New York.”

— Fabian Ardaya, Reporter, The Athletic

“Ohtani will start on the mound against the Mets on Wednesday but will not serve as the team's designated hitter.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

What’s next

Ohtani's next pitching start is tentatively projected to be at San Francisco next week, and he should be able to return to the lineup as a hitter before then.

The takeaway

Ohtani's ability to dominate on the mound while also providing elite production at the plate makes him one of the most valuable players in baseball. The Dodgers are wisely managing his workload to keep him healthy and productive throughout the season as they chase a World Series title.