Shohei Ohtani’s next pitching start is officially set for Wednesday, as confirmed by Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts ahead of their Friday night game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Steinbrenner Field. The announcement comes after Ohtani left his last outing due to hip cramps, marking a hopeful step in his gradual return to full pitching strength this season. The Dodgers aim to have Ohtani fully prepared for the postseason this October, with the key Shohei Ohtani pitching start update providing encouragement for fans and the team alike.
Dodgers Secure a Shutout Victory Over the Rays
The Dodgers defeated the Rays 5-0 on Friday, improving their record to 64-46 while dropping the Rays to 54-57. Clayton Kershaw led the mound effort, delivering six scoreless innings, supported by Freddie Freeman’s 12th home run of the year. Ohtani contributed offensively going 2-for-4 at the plate, showing his value as a two-way player despite being eased back into pitching duties.
Team and Player Updates from Dave Roberts
Manager Dave Roberts also shared additional updates regarding key players on the roster. Roki Sasaki has resumed facing hitters and is planned to pitch two simulated innings this Saturday. Meanwhile, Max Muncy remains with the Oklahoma City Dodgers (OKC) through the weekend, with hopes of rejoining the major league team early next week. These updates reflect the Dodgers’ cautious approach to player recovery and readiness.
“Other updates, per Dave Roberts:-Roki Sasaki has resumed facing hitters and is set for two simulated innings Sat.-Max Muncy will be with OKC through the weekend, with the hope that he’s back early next week.-Shohei Ohtani is expected to make his next pitching start on Wed.” —Sonja Chen, Reporter
Ohtani’s Performance and Role in the Dodgers’ Pitching Staff
Shohei Ohtani has made seven pitching appearances this season, totaling 15 innings with an impressive 2.40 ERA and 17 strikeouts. After missing the entire 2024 campaign on the mound, his workload has been increased carefully. If Ohtani returns at full capacity by the playoffs, he will strengthen a pitching rotation that includes Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, forming a daunting group for opposing batters.
Ohtani’s Offensive Contributions and MVP Outlook
Outside the pitching circle, Ohtani is proving his offensive value with a .271 batting average, 38 home runs, and 73 runs batted in. As the reigning National League MVP, he is a frontrunner for capturing the award again this year, highlighting his rare two-way talents that have made significant impacts both on the mound and at the plate.
Upcoming Matchup and Additional Player Context
The Dodgers and Rays will face off once more on Saturday afternoon with a 1:10 p.m. ET first pitch. Blake Snell, once a Cy Young Award winner with the Rays, will start on the mound after missing playing time since early April due to a shoulder injury. He will oppose Tampa Bay’s right-hander Drew Rasmussen, marking a notable pitching duel in this interleague rivalry.
Significance of Ohtani’s Progress for the Dodgers
Ohtani’s confirmed pitching start signals growing confidence in his health and readiness, which is crucial as the Dodgers prepare for a playoff run. His ability to pitch effectively while maintaining offensive production offers a unique advantage in the postseason. With key players like Ohtani and Snell returning to form, the Dodgers’ pitching depth will be vital for their competitiveness in the coming months.