Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is considering shifting Shohei Ohtani’s position in the batting order on days he takes the mound. While Ohtani’s conditioning remains exceptional, Roberts believes moving him away from the leadoff spot on pitching days can offer the two-way player needed rest without removing him from the lineup. This adjustment aims to balance Ohtani’s dual responsibilities as a hitter and starting pitcher.
Ohtani, who has appeared in his first two starts with quick transitions from pitching to hitting without resting in the dugout, continues to recover from Tommy John surgery. His outings have been brief, pitching single innings against the San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals while gradually building his endurance. Roberts expects Ohtani to pitch every fifth or sixth day once fully ramped up as a two-way player for the Dodgers.
Reasons Behind Moving Ohtani Lower in the Batting Order on His Pitching Days
Shohei Ohtani typically bats leadoff to maximize his plate appearances, given his status as one of baseball’s most dynamic hitters and the reigning National League MVP. Roberts has emphasized Ohtani’s value to the Dodgers’ offense, noting his ability to hit for both average and power, steal bases, and energize the lineup. However, Ohtani is also a frontline starting pitcher, finishing fourth in AL Cy Young voting in 2022 and narrowly missing out on the MVP award to Aaron Judge.
Roberts wants to protect Ohtani from overexertion while still keeping him active on game days when he pitches, despite Ohtani’s own belief that he does not require additional rest.
I asked him before his last start, and he said he’s completely fine hitting leadoff and doesn’t want to change,
Roberts said before Ohtani’s most recent outing.
But coming out of this [start] it might make more sense [for Ohtani] to hit second or third or fourth. But right now we’ll remain status quo.
—Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
Before joining the Dodgers on a then-record 10-year, $700 million contract, Ohtani mostly batted second or third while with the Angels. Returning him to the No. 2 spot would prevent tough transitions directly from hitting to pitching and still afford him ample plate appearances. However, moving Ohtani down the order could disrupt roster balance, particularly considering the presence of lefty Freddie Freeman and the potential move of Mookie Betts into the leadoff role.
To accommodate these changes, Roberts might slot right-handed hitters Teoscar Hernandez or Will Smith into the No. 3 position on pitching days. Smith, who leads the National League with a .328 batting average, fits naturally there. However, shifting Smith upward would push Freeman lower in the lineup, diminishing Freeman’s plate appearances despite his strong performance with a .321 average.
Progress and Expectations for Ohtani’s Pitching Role with the Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani had a challenging debut start with the Dodgers on June 16, exerting 28 pitches and throwing just 16 strikes while allowing two runs against the Padres. Roberts initially considered extending Ohtani’s innings against the Nationals on June 22, but ultimately limited him to a single inning to manage his workload carefully amid the Dodgers’ injury-depleted pitching staff.
Though the team is eager for Ohtani to increase his innings total as soon as feasible, Roberts remains cautious, prioritizing a steady buildup.
I think right now is more hard and fast,
Roberts explained.
As we build more of a foundation, there will be more latitude [to push Ohtani].
—Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
The Dodgers’ patient approach reflects the importance of Ohtani’s unique contribution as both a dominant pitcher and an offensive catalyst. Ensuring his health while optimizing the Dodgers’ lineup flexibility will remain a central focus as the season progresses.