Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will take the mound as a pitcher on Wednesday, facing the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, according to Ken Powtak of the Associated Press. Roberts outlined plans for Ohtani to pitch again the following Wednesday, suggesting the team will likely use a six-man rotation to accommodate him.

Ohtani’s Recent Pitching Pattern and Rotation Strategy

Since being cleared to pitch for the Dodgers on June 16, Ohtani has made six starts, gradually increasing his innings from two one-inning appearances to two outings of two innings, followed by two starts lasting three innings each. If this progression continues, Ohtani is expected to pitch approximately four innings in his upcoming start. Roberts also indicated that unlike previous outings, there will not be a designated reliever assigned immediately after Ohtani. However, with Blake Snell potentially returning from the 60-day injured list soon, the Dodgers could have seven starters available. This might allow reliever Emmet Sheehan to shift to the bullpen and pitch several innings following Ohtani.

Rotation Depth and Expected Impact

The Dodgers’ adjustment to a six-man rotation with Ohtani’s scheduled starts reflects careful management of pitching resources amid returning players. By spreading out innings and utilizing bullpen depth like Sheehan’s potential shift, the team aims to maintain Ohtani’s effectiveness on the mound while managing workload. This strategy could improve the pitching staff’s overall durability as the season progresses.

“Shohei is going to go on Wednesday and then he’ll probably pitch the following Wednesday, so that probably lends itself to the six-man,” —Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager