For the first time in five years, Shohei Ohtani will only be a pitcher on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.
In one of the more surprising moves of the young 2026 MLB season, the back-to-back World Series champion and National League MVP will not be hitting for the fans at Dodger Stadium in the series climax against the New York Mets.
After reaching base in 48 straight games, Ohtani will not be in the batter’s box on Wednesday, as he will be the starting pitcher for the Dodgers, but backup catcher Dalton Rushing will take his place as designated hitter.
It’s a choice that has shocked Dodgers and baseball fans alike, as it will be the first time Ohtani will be solely a pitcher in an MLB game since 2021 with the Los Angeles Angels.
While Ohtani didn’t pitch during his first year with the Dodgers in 2024, rehabbing from surgery, this will be his debut as a starting pitcher only for the champions.
The Dodgers have been open about wanting to find more playing time for Rushing, who has gotten off to a hot start this season, and this is one of their ways to get him in while also having All-Star Will Smith behind the plate.
It also takes some weight off the shoulders of Ohtani, who has also been transparent that he is seeking the one trophy that he hasn’t captured in the MLB: the Cy Young.
And through his first two games of the season, no one should doubt him, as he’s pitched 12 innings without allowing an earned run.
Ohtani, the pitcher, will need to rely solely on his Dodgers teammates for run support in the possible sweep against the Mets.
If they don’t, manager Dave Roberts might have a difficult time keeping Ohtani out of the lineup again this season.