Why Shohei Ohtani isn't in Dodgers' lineup vs. Mets on Wednesday
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he believes letting Shohei Ohtani focus just on pitching is the "right decision" for Wednesday's game.
LOS ANGELES ā Shohei Ohtani was surprised when Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts informed him that he would not be the designated hitter in the series finale against the New York Mets on Wednesday, April 15. The two-way superstar's responsibilities would strictly be on the mound as the Dodgers concluded their six-game homestand. "(He was) maybe surprised, but fine with it, because I've never asked him to pitch and not hit," Roberts said pregame.
"Explaining to him why, I think it makes complete sense. " The why was straightforward enough: Ohtani took a sinker from Mets pitcher David Peterson to the back of his throwing shoulder to lead off Monday's 4-0 win and was still dealing with soreness. He was also having issues getting loose to hit after his afternoon throwing sessions, though Roberts said Ohtani is feeling "much better than he did two days ago, and better than he did yesterday.
" Shohei Ohtani gets hit up and high in his first at bat by David Peterson This breaks up his lead off home run streak. Today, he was looking for 3 in a row to leadoff the game. pic.
twitter. com/V5Hnw2jxwu ā js9innings (@js9inningsmedia) April 14, 2026 In Roberts' eyes, the move lets Ohtani focus on one thing and is what he feels is the best way to keep him loose throughout his outing. "We felt ā training staff, pitching coaches and myself ā we just thought it was the best thing for him," Roberts said.