Shohei Ohtani, back in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup as the designated hitter on Monday, figures to remain in that role the rest of the season.
The two-way star hasn’t pitched since July 3 due to a left knee ailment. He sat out four games because of that issue as well as right biceps and neck soreness before returning Monday to go 0-for-3 with a walk as the Dodgers beat the visiting Cincinnati Reds 6-3.
Following the game, Ohtani was asked whether he would pitch again this year. He replied through a translator, “Most likely no, and I am going to be focused on hitting moving forward.”
By remaining off the mound, Ohtani said, “I’m confident that my overall performance should be better moving forward. I think the thing that I was more focused on is to make sure the pitching wouldn’t cause the worst scenario, which was for me to not be able to play at all.”
Asked about the prospect of not pitching again this season, Ohtani said, “Disappointing, but I want to make sure when I look back this season that I use this as a learning experience and make sure that I use that as something to improve upon for next season.”
Prior to the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the team wasn’t sure when or if Ohtani would pitch again.
“We’ve put a pin in throwing and (are) just kind of having him focus on the hitting, the running — getting, keeping his legs good — and doing whatever it takes to help us win. …
“I think it’s more of what’s best for the team, No. 1, and 1-A, what’s best for him. And so, yes, he loves pitching, (he) loves being a two-way player, but right now, it just doesn’t make any sense.”
The Dodgers hoped that the four-day break from all action would help Ohtani snap out of a slump. However, the latest hitless outing left him 2-for-26 (.077) with no extra-base hits and no RBIs in his past seven games.
Overall this year, the four-time Most Valuable Player is batting .277 with a .380 on-base percentage, a .522 slugging percentage, 30 homers and 80 RBIs.
Through 14 pitching starts, the right-hander owns an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA, 95 strikeouts and 26 walks in 85 2/3 innings.
Ohtani, 32, is a six-time All-Star who helped lead the Dodgers to World Series titles in 2024 and 2025. He didn’t pitch at all in 2024 following right elbow surgery performed the previous September.