Dodgers Are Already Experimenting With Ohtani's Workload and It Could Change How Baseball Handles Two-Way Stars

Dave Roberts isn't taking any chances with his generational talent. The Dodgers skipper is keeping Shohei Ohtani fresh by mixing up how he uses the two-way star from game to game, and yeah, that means Ohtani might pitch without hitting on some nights. This isn't your typical innings limit situation. Roberts is staying flexible week to week depending on how Ohtani feels, treating his health like the long game it actually is.

The Pitch: Ohtani Takes the Mound, But Maybe Not the Batter's Box

Here's the setup: Roberts made it clear he's committed to keeping Ohtani locked in for both sides of the ball over the season's grind. That means some games will look different. On Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants, Ohtani made his fourth mound start and was right there atop the lineup doing both jobs. But a week before that? He pitched without batting as the designated hitter.

The Dodgers manager is explicitly planning to keep his options open night to night. It's not a set rotation or a rigid schedule. It's a feel-it-out approach built around what Ohtani needs to stay sharp and healthy.

Why This Matters for the Long Haul

Managing a unicorn player like Ohtani requires thinking differently. Roberts knows the grind of a full season can wear down even the best, so he's building flexibility into the plan. Some nights Ohtani pitches but sits out the lineup. Other nights he does both. This could become the blueprint for how teams handle elite two-way talent going forward.

The goal is simple: keep him fresh enough to perform at his best all season long, whether he's on the bump or at the plate.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.