Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani Set for One-Way Tuesday Start Against the Miami Marlins
4/28/2026, 12:51:09 PM
Ohtani’s Tuesday Pitch: A One-Way Day
Shohei Ohtani will start for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night against the Miami Marlins, but will not appear in the batting order. The decision marks the second time this season Ohtani has pitched without also serving as designated hitter, and the first time this year he is on five days’ rest between starts.
Why Ohtani Won’t Hit: Rest, Workload, and Recent Slump
Manager Dave Roberts cited a compressed schedule—five days rest and a day game on Wednesday—as the primary reason for the one-way day. Ohtani’s recent offensive production has fallen to a .240/.371/.430 slash line, with 31 strikeouts and only 24 hits in his first 13 games, prompting speculation about his two-way workload.
Key Figures
- Shohei Ohtani – Dodgers two-way star, pitcher for Tuesday’s start.
- Dave Roberts – Dodgers manager, responsible for the roster decision.
- Tyler Glasnow – Starting pitcher whose 105-pitch outing the day before influenced Ohtani’s timing.
- Brandon Gomes – Dodgers general manager overseeing rotation adjustments amid injuries to Blake Snell, Gavin Stone and River Ryan.
Numbers: Pitching Dominance, Hitting Decline, and Rest Patterns
Through his first four starts Ohtani has allowed one earned run over 24 innings (0.38 ERA) and struck out 31 batters. His batting average sits at .240 with an OPS of .801, well below his career norms. This will be his third appearance in 19 Dodgers starts with less than six days’ rest; only two of his 18 Dodgers starts have been on five days’ rest.
Dodgers’ Official Rationale
Roberts explained that the team “doesn’t have to just be beholden to the off day” after an Ohtani start and that Ohtani “feels good about going on Tuesday.” He added that the day game on Wednesday and the need to protect Ohtani’s arm were the main factors in opting for a one-way day. The organization also noted Ohtani’s recent three-hit performance (3-for-5) and a 10-game hitting streak against the Marlins as reasons to keep him in the lineup when healthy.
Concerns Over Ohtani’s Two-Way Role
Analysts have highlighted Ohtani’s strikeout-heavy slump—31 strikeouts to 24 hits—and his .240 batting average as signs that the dual workload may be affecting his hitting. The “Shohei Ohtani Rule,” a proposed MLB policy to limit two-way players’ innings, has been cited in commentary. Some observers argue that continued one-way days could preserve his pitching effectiveness while allowing his bat to recover.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Tyler pitched a lot,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “That’s the thing. We don’t have to just be beholden to the off day (following an Ohtani start). We talked to Shohei. He feels good about going on Tuesday.” — Dave Roberts
- “Hopefully he doesn’t put too much weight into it,” — Dave Roberts
- “I think you also have to look at the alternative,” — Dave Roberts
- “I think, for me, I’m just gonna keep betting on Shohei and kind of figure some things out,” — Dave Roberts
What’s Next
Ohtani will face Marlins right-hander Janson Junk (1-2, 3.67 ERA) on Tuesday. If the one-way plan succeeds, the Dodgers could keep Ohtani on a regular five-day rotation while preserving his bat for the series finale on Wednesday. The outcome will inform whether the club continues to separate his pitching and hitting duties in future starts.
