First Time in Four Years Without Two-Way Duties

Shohei Ohtani started on the mound against the New York Mets on Wednesday night but did not appear in the batting lineup — the first such occurrence since May 28, 2021, before the "Ohtani rule" was adopted ahead of the 2022 season. Kyle Tucker slid into the leadoff spot, while Dalton Rushing filled the designated hitter role.

The "Ohtani rule" allows two-way players who are listed as both pitcher and DH to remain in the lineup as a hitter after exiting the mound. Because Ohtani was entered only as a pitcher on Wednesday, the rule did not apply.

Roberts: 'Just Focus on One Thing Tonight'

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained the decision was a collaborative call involving the coaching staff and training staff. "When he's hitting, there's a component where he's in the cage getting ready to hit. If we can take that off his plate and just have him focus on pitching, we felt that was the best thing for him," Roberts said.

The backdrop includes a hit-by-pitch to Ohtani's right shoulder on Monday by Mets starter David Peterson, after which Ohtani went 0-for-7. Additionally, Ohtani himself noted fatigue and mechanical concerns following his start last Wednesday in Toronto, where he extended his MLB-best scoreless innings streak to 28 2/3.

On-Base Streak Remains Intact

Ohtani's MLB-leading 48-game on-base streak is unaffected, as streak rules do not count games in which a player does not take a plate appearance. His next opportunity comes Friday at Coors Field.

Roberts indicated this could happen again if Ohtani faces minor discomfort that does not affect his pitching: "I think he understands I'm making a decision that's best for the player, for him, and for the team."