But on Wednesday night, he won’t be in the lineup against the New York Mets as he looks to maintain his spotless ERA.
It will be the first time Ohtani doesn’t serve as his team’s designated hitter while pitching since MLB instituted a rule in 2022 allowing starting pitchers to remain in the game as DH after being removed from the mound.
Before the rule came into effect, Ohtani would still hit in his starts, but he would have to be removed from the lineup once he finished pitching.
It is unclear what kept Ohtani from hitting on Wednesday, but the four-time MVP was hit in the right arm by a pitch during Monday’s win over the Mets.
When asked Tuesday if the HBP would keep Ohtani from making his start, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he would pitch as usual, but did not clarify his hitting, per MLB.com’s Sonja Chen.
On the season, Ohtani has a .901 OPS and five homers at the plate in 17 games. On the mound, he has a 0.00 ERA and eight strikeouts over 12 innings.
In Ohtani’s absence, Kyle Tucker will slide into the leadoff spot and Dalton Rushing will handle designated-hitter duties.