Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has announced that Shohei Ohtani will be given his first scheduled rest day of the season, not playing as a hitter in the team’s game against the San Francisco Giants on April 15 (Japan time), which follows his start on the mound the previous day. Roberts revealed after a direct meeting with Ohtani that the two-way star may also be held out of the lineup as a batter on April 14, meaning he could sit out two consecutive games at the plate—a rare move for the MVP. The decision was made due to signs of fatigue affecting Ohtani’s swing mechanics, with Roberts noting that “fatigue has impacted his batting form.” This unusual two-game break from hitting underscores the team’s cautious approach to managing Ohtani’s workload early in the season.
While some analysts have questioned whether Ohtani is chasing pitches outside the strike zone, a deeper look suggests a different warning sign may be more concerning. According to reports from Sports Nippon, Ohtani’s recent struggles are not solely about pitch selection but could stem from underlying fatigue affecting his lower body and timing at the plate. Despite these concerns, Ohtani remains a dominant force on the mound, and his pitching performances have been stellar. The Dodgers are prioritizing his long-term health and performance by giving him this extended rest from hitting duties.
