Los Angeles Dodgers will start Shohei Ohtani on the mound against the New York Mets without him batting, a first in five years. The decision follows a 94‑mph sinker that grazed his upper back on Monday. Manager Dave Roberts says removing him from the DH plate lets Ohtani focus solely on pitching today in the league.

Ohtani, who recently recovered from a second ulnar collateral ligament repair, is navigating his first full‑time two‑way season since 2022. The move echoes the last time he pitched without batting on May 28, 2021, prior to the Ohtani Rule that permits pitchers to stay in the lineup when they also start at DH. It reflects team strategy.

Dalton Rushing will take Ohtani’s spot at designated hitter, while Kyle Tucker moves into the leadoff position. Roberts said keeping Ohtani off the plate gives him the best chance to stay loose, especially after the hit‑by‑pitch injury and a Thursday off day. The Dodgers also face four consecutive games at Denver’s altitude, adding another factor.

This strategic tweak underscores the Dodgers’ careful management of Ohtani’s workload as they chase a playoff berth. By isolating his pitching duties, the club aims to preserve his arm health and offensive output for critical matchups. The decision also signals a willingness to adapt to the unique demands of a two‑way superstar in the modern game.