Full Breakdown
Ohtani's Pitch-Only Start Ends in Dodgers' 2-1 Loss to Marlins
4/29/2026, 11:09:17 PM
Game Summary
On April 28, 2026, the Miami Marlins beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 2–1 at Dodger Stadium. Janson Junk threw six shutout innings (3 H, 4 K, 1 BB). Shohei Ohtani allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits, struck out nine and walked three over six innings. Tyler Phillips closed with the save.
Two-Way Role and Workload Management
Because Ohtani is a two-way player, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts kept him out of the batting order, calling the move a “half-day” for his body. The start was Ohtani’s first on five days’ rest this season, a shift from his usual six-plus days.
Key Performers
Junk’s fastball topped 96.3 mph and he averaged 12 pitches per inning. Kyle Stowers drove in the Marlins’ second run with an RBI single. Will Smith’s RBI single cut the Dodgers’ deficit to one run.
Data & Statistics
- Junk: 6 IP, 3 H, 4 K, 1 BB, 0 ER; fastball 96.3 mph, 3 K/9, 2.18 BB/9.
- Ohtani: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R (1 ER), 9 K, 3 BB; 104 pitches (67 strikes); ERA 0.60.
- Phillips: 1.47 ERA, 2 SV in 18 1/3 IP.
- Ohtani’s batting line: .278/.398/.898, 6 HR, 13 RBI.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberts said removing Ohtani from the lineup gave him mental and physical relief and that the team “should have won” without his bat. Ohtani said he will respect the staff’s decisions and wants to stay healthy. McCullough praised Junk’s tone-setting start and the bullpen’s work.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts questioned whether intermittent removal of Ohtani adequately addresses long-term durability. Roberts admitted uncertainty about the “exact science” of balancing his pitching and hitting, and Ohtani noted occasional “misfires” in his delivery.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wasn’t happy with how the runs scored, too. So overall, it wasn’t that great of an outing.” — Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers pitcher
- “I think that in itself is a win for his mind and body.” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “Even without him in the lineup, we should have won the game,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “I was fired up,” — Tyler Phillips, Dodgers reliever
- “He set the tone on the mound,” — Clayton McCullough, Marlins manager
Why It Matters
The game shows the trade-off of limiting a two-way star’s offensive role for health. The Dodgers’ loss highlights the risk of reduced run support, while the Marlins’ win underscores the value of strong starting pitching and a flexible bullpen.
What’s Next
The series finale on Wednesday pits Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara (3-2, 3.05 ERA) against Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow (3-0, 2.45 ERA). Both clubs will reassess Ohtani’s usage as Los Angeles chases a third straight World Series title.
