On Saturday, July 5, during a high-stakes matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros, Shohei Ohtani is set to take the mound on his birthday, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. The much-anticipated pitching plan aims to capitalize on Ohtani’s sharp form, potentially making this day memorable for both the Japanese ace and the fans following the Dodgers’ push toward dominance.
Ohtani’s time on the mound this season has been brief yet impactful, with an impressive 2.25 ERA over four innings pitched. Despite working in short stints, his velocity and command have surprised many with their effectiveness. Manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that Ohtani will pitch two innings against the Astros, signaling trust in his abilities despite the cautious approach around his workload.
Details of Ohtani’s Upcoming Pitching Role Against Houston
Shohei Ohtani’s track record against the Houston Astros presents a mixed bag but with strong highlights. Over 13 career starts, he holds a 4.01 ERA, striking out 88 batters across 67.1 innings, and has limited Houston to just six home runs. Although his win-loss record of 3–6 doesn’t favor him, Ohtani’s ability to generate strikeouts at a rate of 11.76 per nine innings underlines his potential to disrupt Houston’s lineup.
In Saturday’s game, Ohtani is expected to unleash his signature fastball-slider combination early in his outing, a pitch mix that has helped him maintain a 30.9% strikeout rate versus the Astros. This two-inning spell is critical; if he can dominate early, it would force Houston’s hitters to adjust quickly and possibly fall behind in the game’s momentum, enhancing the Dodgers’ chances for a commanding performance.
“Dave Roberts said the plan is to have Shohei Ohtani pitch two innings again tomorrow,”
— Jack Harris, MLB reporter
Dodgers’ Pitching Staff Strengthening as Key Arms Return
The Dodgers are gearing up with more than just Ohtani’s birthday appearance to solidify their rotation. Tyler Glasnow, sidelined since late April with right shoulder inflammation, is nearing full return and could rejoin the rotation by mid-July. His recent rehab starts have shown flashes of his former dominance, punctuated by a strong outing of 4.1 innings, six hits allowed, three runs, eight strikeouts, and just one walk.
Glasnow’s comeback trail has had its ups and downs. After starting rehab on June 22 with two hitless innings punctuated by control struggles, his second appearance included five runs over 2.1 innings. However, the strong performance in his latest outing indicates he is on the right path to reclaiming his place in the Dodgers’ starting rotation, potentially facing the Milwaukee Brewers or the San Francisco Giants soon.
Through 18 innings in 2025, Glasnow’s metrics are promising, boasting a 4.50 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP while striking out nearly 30% of hitters faced. His return is not a mere patch but a promising upgrade that strengthens the Dodgers’ rotation heading into the critical final months of the season.
Implications for the Dodgers’ Rotation and Team Outlook
With Shohei Ohtani’s pitching schedule now clearer and Tyler Glasnow approaching readiness, the Dodgers’ rotation is transitioning from fragile to formidable. Manager Dave Roberts is managing his pitching assets carefully, balancing Ohtani’s limited innings with the team’s broader needs. The impending returns suggest the Dodgers are positioning themselves not just to compete but to dominate as the playoff season draws near.
This bolstered rotation offers a solid foundation for the Dodgers as they pursue a deep postseason run. The presence of Ohtani’s unique two-way threat combined with Glasnow’s potential return adds depth and lethality to a pitching staff already known for its capability. If these components align, the Dodgers could present an intimidating challenge for any opponent.
The showdown against the Astros will not only test Shohei Ohtani’s birthday magic but also serve as a barometer for how well the Dodgers can harness their pitching depth. For Houston, containing Ohtani’s explosive start is key, while Los Angeles aims to exploit any early advantage to seize control of the game. This game could mark a pivotal moment in the Dodgers’ season, offering a glimpse of their pitching strength and strategy as they march toward October.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Shohei Ohtani get a 50/50?
A. Shohei Ohtani hit a home run, joining the 50-50 club. After hitting three home runs and stealing two bases, he delivered an incredible one-game performance given the situation and pressure involved.