Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is considering changes to Shohei Ohtani's role to manage the superstar's workload and preserve his health. Roberts indicated that "everything should be on the table," including potentially having Ohtani pitch without batting as the designated hitter on certain days.
Ohtani, who is currently on a 53-game on-base streak, has been performing well both as a pitcher and a hitter. However, Roberts emphasized a commitment to Ohtani's long-term performance, suggesting adjustments might be made based on how Ohtani is feeling day-to-day or week-to-week.
"I'm always going to be prepared when I'm starting that I'm hitting," Ohtani said through his interpreter. "But if it makes sense as a team to occasionally put a guy in as a DH or hit later, that's fine as well."
Ohtani recently pitched six scoreless innings in a loss to the San Francisco Giants. A week prior, he was held out of the lineup while pitching due to soreness from being hit by a pitch. Despite his streak ending, Ohtani remains focused on his performance, stating, "The season’s not over, and I could start another streak and that would be great."
Dalton Rushing has emerged as a capable fill-in at DH, further providing flexibility for the Dodgers. The team has recently struggled, losing four of their last five games.