Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed a strategic shift in how the team will deploy two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, announcing that Ohtani will occasionally serve exclusively as a pitcher on his start days, a move designed to manage his unprecedented workload and preserve his health over the grueling 162-game season.

 

Roberts confirmed that Ohtani will not bat during his pitching appearances on select days, a departure from the norm for the reigning MVP, who has historically handled both duties in the same game. The decision comes after a stretch of 13 consecutive games without a break, a grind that Roberts said has taken a toll on the entire roster, but particularly on Ohtani, who faces the unique challenge of preparing for both pitching and hitting at an elite level.

 

The manager emphasized that the primary goal is to keep Ohtani healthy and fresh for the long haul, rather than maximizing his performance in any single game. This approach, Roberts explained, is not an exact science but a necessary compromise to sustain Ohtani’s dual role throughout the season, especially as he builds up his pitching workload after returning from elbow surgery.

 

Roberts detailed that on days when Ohtani only pitches, he essentially gets a half-day, freeing him from the physical and mental demands of preparing to hit. This includes not having to game plan against opposing pitchers, allowing him to focus entirely on his mound work, which Roberts described as the best he has ever seen from Ohtani.

 

The manager noted that Ohtani was completely on board with the plan, showing a mature understanding of the bigger picture. Roberts highlighted the trust between them, stating that Ohtani respects organizational decisions and is smart enough to recognize that staying fresh will lead to better performance over the course of the season.

 

Roberts acknowledged that this strategy is not set in stone and will be a read-and-react situation throughout the year. He explained that factors like the schedule, Ohtani’s recent workload, and the availability of other hitters will influence how often he employs this approach, but he could not put a specific number on how many times it will happen.

 

The decision to have Ohtani bat leadoff on days he does pitch was also addressed, with Roberts citing his strong recent hitting and a desire not to disrupt the lineup construction too much. He felt comfortable with Dalton Rushing replacing Ohtani in the lineup for a night, giving the team a quality bat while allowing Ohtani to reset.

 

Roberts emphasized that the sustainability of Ohtani doing both duties is a constant question, and that taking a little off his plate is crucial. He noted that while having Ohtani pitch and hit in the same game is great in theory, the exponential effect of fatigue could be detrimental, making these abbreviated days a smart play for the long term.

 

The manager also revealed that Ohtani still took a few swings on a recent day he did not hit, highlighting his relentless work ethic. However, Roberts stressed that the overall reduction in pregame preparation, including not having to study opposing pitchers, is a significant win for Ohtani’s mind and body.

 

Roberts confirmed that Ohtani will be back in the lineup the day after his pitching starts, ensuring he still gets his at-bats while benefiting from a focused pitching outing. This pattern, Roberts said, allows Ohtani to reset after an off day, potentially leading to better performance in subsequent games.

 

The manager acknowledged that this approach might differ from what Ohtani would ideally want, but he believes the two-way star is smart enough to see the value in compromise. Roberts noted that Ohtani’s goal is to make every start, and that requires openness to adjusting his routine to maintain health and effectiveness.

 

Roberts also addressed the possibility of Ohtani pitching on five days of rest, a schedule he will have to get used to this season. While he did not rule out using a six-man rotation occasionally, he said it is not common practice, but the team will remain flexible based on how Ohtani feels and the demands of the schedule.

 

The manager praised Ohtani’s pitching performance this season, calling it the best he has seen from him, even when his delivery was off. Roberts noted that Ohtani has been lights out, finding ways to throw zeros even when not at his best, a testament to his elite talent and focus.

 

Roberts emphasized that the decision to have Ohtani only pitch is about optimizing his health for the entire season, not just for one game. He explained that the team must balance the immediate benefits of having Ohtani in the lineup with the long-term goal of keeping him on the mound and at the plate all year.

 

The manager also highlighted the importance of communication with Ohtani, stating that the superstar is respectful of decisions made for his benefit. Roberts said that if Ohtani disagreed with a decision, he would likely express it respectfully, leading to a deeper conversation about what is best for the team.

 

Roberts concluded by saying that this strategy is part of a broader effort to manage Ohtani’s workload as he continues to push himself. The manager acknowledged that Ohtani wants to do well pitching this year, and that being open to compromise is essential for him to achieve his goal of making every start.

 

The Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Ohtani, recognizing that his unique role requires careful management to avoid burnout or injury. Roberts made it clear that the team will continue to read and react, adjusting the plan as needed based on Ohtani’s health and performance.

 

This decision marks a significant shift in how the Dodgers will deploy Ohtani, potentially setting a precedent for how other teams handle two-way players in the future. The move underscores the challenges of managing a superstar who is both an elite pitcher and hitter, and the innovative strategies required to keep him at his best.

 

Roberts acknowledged that there is no perfect formula for managing Ohtani’s workload, but the team is committed to finding the right balance. He stressed that the priority is always what is best for Ohtani, both in terms of health and performance, and that the team will continue to adapt as the season progresses.

 

The manager also addressed the potential impact of this strategy on the lineup, noting that having Ohtani out of the lineup for a night is a trade-off the team is willing to make. He expressed confidence in the depth of the roster, with players like Dalton Rushing capable of stepping up in Ohtani’s absence.

 

Roberts revealed that Ohtani’s reaction to the plan was simply acceptance, showing his trust in the organization. The manager said that Ohtani did not ask for a detailed explanation, but simply understood the reasoning and moved on, a sign of his professionalism and focus.

 

The Dodgers are navigating uncharted territory with Ohtani, as no player in modern history has attempted to be a full-time pitcher and hitter at this level. Roberts’ decision to occasionally separate those duties is a pragmatic response to the physical demands of the game, and it could become a template for how the team manages Ohtani moving forward.

 

Roberts also touched on the mental aspect of the game, noting that not having to prepare to hit allows Ohtani to conserve mental energy. This, in turn, could help him stay sharper on the mound, where he has already been dominant this season.

 

The manager emphasized that this is not a permanent change, but a tool the team will use when necessary. He said that the schedule, Ohtani’s recent workload, and the opponent will all factor into future decisions, and that the team will remain flexible.

 

Roberts’ comments reflect a deep understanding of the unique challenges Ohtani faces, and a commitment to putting his health first. The manager’s willingness to make tough decisions, even if it means temporarily removing Ohtani from the lineup, shows a long-term vision for the superstar’s success.

 

The Dodgers are in a strong position in the standings, allowing them to experiment with Ohtani’s role without risking the team’s playoff hopes. Roberts acknowledged that this time of year, the team can afford to give Ohtani a break, but that might change during a playoff push.

 

Roberts also addressed the possibility of Ohtani pitching on shorter rest in the future, but said that is not the current plan. He noted that Ohtani is open to the idea, but the team will prioritize his health over any specific schedule.

 

The manager’s transparency about the decision-making process is a sign of the strong relationship he has with Ohtani. Roberts made it clear that Ohtani is a partner in this process, and that his input is valued, even if he defers to the manager’s judgment.

 

Roberts also revealed that Ohtani’s pregame routine changes significantly when he is only pitching, with less time spent on hitting preparation. This allows Ohtani to focus on his pitching mechanics and game plan, potentially leading to better results on the mound.

 

The Dodgers are taking a proactive approach to managing Ohtani’s workload, recognizing that the season is a marathon, not a sprint. Roberts’ decision to occasionally have Ohtani only pitch is a strategic move to ensure he remains fresh for the entire season, including a potential deep playoff run.

 

Roberts also noted that Ohtani’s willingness to accept these changes is a reflection of his maturity and understanding of the game. The manager praised Ohtani’s intelligence, saying that he can see beyond the immediate game and appreciate the long-term benefits of rest and recovery.

 

The manager’s comments also highlighted the importance of trust between a player and his manager. Roberts said that Ohtani trusts the organization to make decisions that are in his best interest, and that trust is essential for the success of this strategy.

 

Roberts concluded by saying that the team will continue to monitor Ohtani’s workload and adjust as needed. He emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and that the team will remain flexible to ensure Ohtani is at his best when it matters most.

 

The Dodgers are setting a new standard for how to manage a two-way superstar, and Roberts’ decision to occasionally separate Ohtani’s pitching and hitting duties could become a model for other teams. The move shows a commitment to innovation and player health, which could pay dividends for the Dodgers this season and beyond.