The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again shuffling their rotation, opting to push Shohei Ohtani’s next start to next week when the Philadelphia Phillies visit Dodger Stadium.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Wednesday that Ohtani will not pitch in this weekend’s critical series against the San Francisco Giants. Instead, the two-way star will continue serving as designated hitter while Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw, and Tyler Glasnow take the mound Friday through Sunday at Oracle Park.
The Dodgers, who lead the Padres by three games in the National League West and the Giants by eight, are treating the matchup in San Francisco with urgency. Still, they’ve decided to prioritize Ohtani’s recovery and long-term availability.
Dodgers Push Ohtani’s Start Again
Vote For Your Favorite Dodgers Duo: Ohtani – Yamamoto, Betts – Freeman, Hernandez – Hernandez
Originally slated to pitch against the Giants, Ohtani’s outing has now been pushed back for the third time in a week. Roberts explained the decision was influenced by a recent illness and the strain of pitching on short notice after Glasnow was scratched last Friday in Baltimore with back stiffness.
“We just felt that, with the sickness, we moved him up, and just to give him some extra rest on the back end of that last start,” Roberts said at Dodger Stadium.
In that outing against the Orioles, Ohtani threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out five while allowing only three hits. On the season, he holds a 3.75 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 36 innings across 12 starts.
Roberts has not committed to which game Ohtani will start against the Phillies, though the series opener Monday is a possibility. That schedule would also align him for another start against the Giants in Los Angeles the following Sunday, just before a team off-day.
Sasaki Nears Decision on Role
While Ohtani’s next start garners headlines, the Dodgers are also evaluating the role of rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki. The 23-year-old right-hander completed his rehab stint in Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, striking out eight over 4 2/3 innings.
“Roki was fantastic,” Roberts said. “It was great for Roki’s confidence just to really let it fly, have some success and know that he can be the guy that he’s known to be.”
Sasaki has endured a turbulent debut season, including a shoulder impingement that sidelined him since mid-May. The Dodgers plan to meet with him this week to determine whether he’ll remain a starter or shift into the bullpen as the postseason approaches.
“I do think that question is going to be asked because I think you can argue both, whether it’s kind of getting ready for something to happen here in a starting role or changing a role,” Roberts said. “It all should be on the table and we’re going to have that conversation.”
Reinforcements for the Stretch Run
The Dodgers also welcomed back utility man Tommy Edman, who was activated off the injured list after missing more than a month with an ankle sprain. Edman, last year’s NLCS MVP, started in centerfield Wednesday and batted sixth against the Rockies.
To make room on the roster, outfielder Justin Dean was optioned to Triple-A.
Edman’s return provides needed depth as the Dodgers prepare for a demanding September stretch. His ability to play multiple positions and provide speed on the bases could prove critical in both the division race and the postseason.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers’ decision to delay Ohtani’s next start reflects their cautious management of his pitching workload as he returns from a second elbow surgery. At a minimum, he’ll be on nine days’ rest when he takes the mound against Philadelphia.
The Dodgers and Phillies, both battling for playoff positioning, will open their series Monday in Los Angeles. The Dodgers trail Philadelphia by four games for the National League’s No. 2 seed, making Ohtani’s next start as meaningful as any in his short time on the mound this year.