Shohei Ohtani to take mound as pitcher only for first time in 5 years
Shohei Ohtani was a one-way player on Wednesday.
Since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani has played as a designated hitter 347 times and a designated hitter/starting pitcher 20 times (including playoffs). On Wednesday, he will play his first game as a pitcher only. Ohtani was not in his usual leadoff spot in the lineup against the New York Mets for the Dodgers’ Jackie Robinson Day game , but was penciled in to make his scheduled start on the mound.
Kyle Tucker, the team’s usual No. 2 hitter, took over leadoff duties, while Freddie Freeman got bumped up from cleanup to No. 2.
Tonight's #Jackie42 Dodgers lineup vs. Mets: pic. twitter.
com/6uTzRstcGJ — Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 15, 2026 The last time Ohtani started as a pitcher without hitting was May 28, 2021 during his career with the Los Angeles Angeles. That start also predated the Ohtani rule, which allows him to remain in the game as a DH after being done as a starter . Once he’s finished throwing Wednesday, he’s out of the game.