Shohei Ohtani has gained special recognition for his rare ability to call his own pitches, a privilege granted to only about 1 percent of Major League Baseball pitchers. This insight was revealed by Dalton Rushing, a rising catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who praised Ohtani’s pitching arsenal during an interview with Red Sox insider Rob Bradford on Monday.

Rushing, considered a potential successor to Will Smith on the Dodgers, emphasized Ohtani’s impressive skills on the mound and at the plate. When asked about the most distinctive pitcher he had caught, Rushing immediately named Ohtani, highlighting his effective splitter, sliders, and fastball.

“It’s got to be something from Sho [Shohei Ohtani],” Rushing said [12:47]. “Shohei’s splitter is pretty good. Both Shohei’s sliders are pretty good. Fastball is good.”

Having caught for Ohtani during his comeback from Tommy John surgery this season, Rushing described the experience as a privilege. He further revealed that Ohtani personally calls his pitches, underscoring the trust placed in him by the Dodgers’ coaching staff and teammates.

“1 percent,” Rushing replied. “He has earned that right.”

In MLB, catchers typically dictate pitch selection based on the pitcher’s strengths, opposing batter tendencies, and evolving game situations. Among the few pitchers who exercise self-calling authority, Max Scherzer is another notable name.

Sportscaster Praises Dodgers’ Cautious Management of Ohtani’s Return

On Thursday, sportscaster Dan Patrick commended the Dodgers for their careful strategy in integrating Shohei Ohtani back into pitching duties while capitalizing on his outstanding offensive performance. At that point, Ohtani had electrified fans by hitting five home runs in just five games.

Examining the numbers, Patrick noted that 34 percent of Ohtani’s hits this season were home runs, ranking him just behind Cal Raleigh’s 41 percent and Kyle Schwarber’s 36 percent among active sluggers.

“I do like what the Dodgers are doing with Ohtani,” Patrick said [from 1:29]. “That is you can ease him back in. If he was just a pitcher, the strategy would be different. But what they’re doing is pitch a couple of innings, maybe they have a pitch count. But this is all about the postseason.”

Patrick also raised questions about the feasibility of employing Ohtani as a closer, given the challenges of warming up mid-game, especially when he also serves as the designated hitter. Despite a recent dip in his batting average from nearly .300 to around .275, Patrick remains confident in Ohtani’s ability to impact games significantly.

The Impact of Ohtani’s Pitch Calling on the Dodgers’ Strategy

Shohei Ohtani’s capacity to manage his own pitching routine reflects his exceptional standing in modern baseball. This autonomy not only highlights his deep understanding of the game but also influences how the Dodgers approach his recovery and usage. By allowing Ohtani to call his own pitches, the team is empowering their star to adjust in real time to batters and situations, potentially extending his effectiveness and longevity.

As the Dodgers prepare for the upcoming postseason, their careful pacing of Ohtani’s innings and pitch counts aims to maximize his contributions on both the mound and at the plate, preserving his health while exploiting his unique talents.

Ohtani’s status within that exclusive 1 percent of pitchers who call their own games underscores his elite level of trust and skill, marking him as a key figure who may shape how two-way players are valued and utilized in Major League Baseball’s future.