The Los Angeles Dodgers are carefully managing Shohei Ohtani’s pitching workload as he recovers from elbow surgery, aiming to avoid overextension in his comeback. On Wednesday night in Denver, Ohtani will make his 10th start of the season against the Colorado Rockies, looking to build on his progress by hopefully pitching five innings to qualify for a win.
Since his season debut on June 16, Ohtani’s innings have steadily increased, from just one inning initially to 4 1/3 innings in his last outing on August 13. Ohtani’s record currently stands at 0-0 with a 3.47 ERA, reflecting the cautious approach the Dodgers are employing to protect their two-way star.
Colorado Rockies Set to Counter with Tanner Gordon
The Rockies will send right-hander Tanner Gordon to the mound in what will be his first career start against a National League West rival. Gordon has struggled this season with a 3-5 record and a 7.98 ERA but will look to help his team balance the scales after the Dodgers’ recent offensive surge.
Los Angeles evened up the four-game series with an 11-4 victory on Tuesday, marking their 11th win in the last 12 meetings against Colorado. The Dodgers’ 18-hit outburst underscored their offensive strength, a key element behind Ohtani’s dual role in the team’s attack.
Recovery from Elbow Surgery and Offensive Contributions
Ohtani underwent a procedure to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow in September 2023, which sidelined him from pitching for the entire previous season, his first with the Dodgers. Although he has not pitched at length yet, he continues to serve as the team’s designated hitter and shares the National League lead in home runs with 44, tied with Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber.
Before joining the Dodgers, Ohtani’s lone appearance as a pitcher against the Rockies was on July 26, 2021, while playing for the Los Angeles Angels. In that game, he earned a 6-2 win after delivering seven innings while allowing just one run.
Dodgers Adjust Defensively as Ohtani Pitches
Defensive improvements behind Ohtani remain a focus for the Dodgers. In the narrow 4-3 loss on Monday, outfielder Teoscar Hernandez failed to catch a double by Ezequiel Tovar in the ninth inning, which led to a walk-off single and the Rockies’ victory. Manager Dave Roberts addressed the defensive concerns after the game and acknowledged that at times Los Angeles prioritizes offensive strength over defense in their lineup choices.
“Well, you still got to score,” Roberts told reporters. “So are we playing our best defensive lineup? No, but I would say that there are very few teams in the big leagues playing their best defensive lineup every night.” —Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
Rockies’ Offensive Momentum Fueled by Young Talent
Despite defensive lapses, Colorado’s offense has carried the team to a 14-16 record since the All-Star break. The Rockies had matched a season high with four consecutive wins before falling in Tuesday’s game against the Dodgers. This upswing has helped Colorado avoid the possibility of setting a modern-era record for losses, a mark currently held by the 2024 Chicago White Sox who finished 41-121.
Key contributions from rookies Ryan Ritter and Warming Bernabel have played an important role, with Ritter delivering a two-run single and Bernabel providing the game-winning hit in the recent win. Interim manager Warren Schaeffer praised the players’ improved batting approach, highlighting consistency and increased contact at the plate.
“You have Kyle Karros at third and Bernabel at first, and both of them, their biggest strength is putting the ball in play,” Schaeffer said. “But there are other guys, too. I think the approach has gotten better consistently and our batting average has gone up every month of the year.” —Warren Schaeffer, Rockies Interim Manager
Promising Performance by Newcomer Kyle Karros
Kyle Karros, son of 1992 National League Rookie of the Year Eric Karros, recently hit his first major league home run on Tuesday. Since making his debut on August 8 at Arizona, Karros is batting .270 through 12 games, adding power and reliability to the Rockies’ lineup as they strive to maintain their recent positive momentum.
Looking Ahead: Ohtani’s Return and the Dodgers’ Season Prospects
Shohei Ohtani’s ongoing comeback is of vital importance to the Dodgers as they navigate the remainder of the season. With his growing innings total and formidable presence both on the mound and at bat, Ohtani could enhance the Dodgers’ competitiveness in the National League West. Meanwhile, the Rockies’ infusion of young talent and recent success shows promise as they aim to stay clear of historic lows.