The Los Angeles Dodgers made a surprising change ahead of Wednesday’s matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates, scratching Shohei Ohtani from his scheduled start on the mound and handing the ball instead to right-hander Emmet Sheehan. The move came without explanation from the club, leaving fans and analysts alike waiting for clarity.
Jack Harris of The Los Angeles Times summed up the abrupt shift:
“Shohei Ohtani was supposed to be the Dodgers’ starting pitcher today. Instead, Emmet Sheehan is now listed to take the mound.”
Despite the change, Ohtani remained in the starting lineup as the Dodgers’ designated hitter, batting leadoff, a sign that the decision wasn’t linked to an issue that would keep him out of the batter’s box. As Spectrum SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson noted, Ohtani’s ability to swing and run the bases suggests any potential concern is not severe. Manager Dave Roberts was expected to address the media later in the afternoon.
Ohtani’s Recent Progress on the Mound
The scratch came at an interesting time in Ohtani’s ramp-up. Just last week, he logged five innings for the first time this season, earning his first win as a Dodger while continuing to work his way back from a torn UCL in his right arm. In 11 starts since returning, the two-way star has shown flashes of dominance — striking out 44 batters in 32.1 innings — though his 4.18 ERA reflects a pitcher still shaking off rust after missing the entire 2024 season.
Even with uneven results, the stuff remains intact, and Ohtani’s availability on the mound is central to the LA’s October hopes. With Los Angeles aiming to defend its World Series title, every inning from their $700 million superstar will matter.
Dodgers Offensive Firepower Still Intact
Whatever the reasoning for Wednesday’s late pitching change, Ohtani’s bat remains as potent as ever. In Tuesday’s 9-7 loss to Pittsburgh, he went 3-for-5 with two doubles and a 120 mph home run — the 100th of his Dodgers career. Overall, the 31-year-old is slashing .279 with a .998 OPS and 46 home runs, continuing to anchor the top of the lineup alongside Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith.
The Dodgers entered Wednesday at 78-60, holding a 2.5-game lead in the NL West despite recent stumbles against non-contenders. Roberts will need both Ohtani’s bat and arm firing down the stretch if Los Angeles is to steady itself before the postseason.
What Comes Next
For now, Sheehan gets the nod against Pittsburgh rookie Braxton Ashcraft, who brings a 4-2 record and 2.58 ERA into the game. LA countered with a righty-heavy lineup, led off by Ohtani at DH and Betts at shortstop.
When Ohtani will next pitch remains an open question, one Roberts is expected to shed light on. Until then, his presence in the lineup suggests that while the Dodgers are proceeding cautiously, the two-way star’s value at the plate remains indispensable.