It’s probably best not to even consider the idea of removing Shohei Ohtani from the Dodgers’ lineup when he’s also starting as a pitcher.
His recent performances? Well, maybe they should be set aside for now.
Forget about that 8-2 win over the Mets, where he struck out ten in just six innings. That’s impressive, sure, but let’s move on.
Don’t think about how he only allowed one hit over the first four innings or those four speedy fastballs he threw in the fifth.
Although it might be tempting to see how Ohtani fares strictly as a pitcher, the Dodgers are not planning to make that a norm. And honestly, they shouldn’t.
When it comes to crucial October games, his presence at the plate is a must.
Even without Ohtani hitting, the Dodgers still managed to sweep New York’s team, belting out four homers and achieving twelve hits.
Yet, there were some unsettling signs beneath the surface.
A five-run eighth inning, bolstered by a grand slam from Dalton Rushing, masked the fact that the offense had not been particularly fierce. They had a two-run hit in the second and a solo homer by Teoscar Hernandez in the sixth—hardly electrifying.
With names like Kyle Tucker, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, and Hernandez leading the way, the Dodgers boast a strong batting lineup.
Still, something felt off—Ohtani was notably absent.
Without him, the Dodgers seemed less intimidating.
He’s been on base for 48 consecutive games for a reason, creating a dread factor that makes opposing pitchers second-guess their strategies.
Los Angeles undoubtedly wants Ohtani in every postseason match, whether he’s pitching or playing DH. To be a true two-way player in the playoffs, he’d need to adjust during the regular season.
Conversely, the risk of pitching him in October without regular practice could lead to issues.
Manager Dave Roberts explained that Ohtani’s absence from hitting was due to a shoulder injury sustained from a hit by pitch a couple of days back.
Roberts mentioned Ohtani would likely return as the designated hitter in their next series against San Francisco.
He did acknowledge the potential future of having Ohtani pitch only, but added, “It’s only natural we miss our top hitter.”
I mean, Ohtani’s prowess on the mound reminded us of his own capabilities. He restricted the Mets to just a couple of hits and two walks, and, for the first time this season, allowed an unearned run, causing his ERA to tick up slightly.
“It’s not that he wasn’t already among the best pitchers, but taking the pressure off might just make him the top one out there right now,” said Rushing. “We know he excels with a bat, but sometimes it’s just nice to have him focused on pitching.”
Ohtani seemed taken aback when told he wouldn’t hit that day, stating that it made the downtime between innings feel prolonged.
Yet, he also reflected that maybe he could’ve strategized differently against hitters.
He thought, perhaps, he utilized that time more effectively than he realized.
This outing may have been his best of the season so far, and he was aware of that.
If he shows any signs of fatigue down the line, the Dodgers might consider a repeat of that pitcher-only scenario. But he really should be hitting; getting ready for the World Series is crucial.
