Full Breakdown
Dodgers Delay Ohtani’s Pitching Start to Friday for Extra Rest
7/1/2026, 2:37:31 PM
Core Event: Start Pushed Back
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that two-way star Shohei Ohtani will not pitch as scheduled on Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics. Instead, he will serve as designated hitter in that game and take the mound on Friday versus the San Diego Padres. The Wednesday slot will be filled by a bullpen game.
Background & Schedule Context
Los Angeles is in the middle of a 13-game, 13-day stretch with no off-day. Manager Dave Roberts said the move preserves Ohtani’s typical six-day rest pattern, which has occurred only once this season, and aligns his two remaining starts before the All-Star break with division opponents.
Key Figures & Health Concerns
- Shohei Ohtani – Dodgers pitcher/designated hitter, four-time MVP.
- Dave Roberts – Dodgers manager, decision-maker.
- Dalton Rushing – Catcher used in Ohtani’s last three starts.
- Will Smith – Former catcher, now on the injured list.
Roberts noted Ohtani’s knee “is not 100 percent” and referenced a lingering blister on his pitching hand.
Data & Statistics
- Pitching: 8-2 record, 1.58 ERA, 86 strikeouts in 79.2 innings (0.90 WHIP).
- Recent trend: 2.93 ERA over his last five starts (30.2 innings) versus a 0.74 ERA through his first ten starts (61 innings).
- Hitting: .297 AVG, .958 OPS, 18 HR, 50 RBI, third-highest OPS in MLB.
- Rest: eight days between starts will be a season-high.
Why It Matters: Strategic and All-Star Implications
Pitching Friday against the Padres and then the Arizona Diamondbacks gives Ohtani matchups with two NL West rivals before the All-Star break. The shift also likely prevents him from pitching in the All-Star Game, though he remains slated to start as a DH.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberts told reporters the decision was “mostly schedule-driven” and that Ohtani agreed to the change, emphasizing that extra rest carries “no downside.” The Dodgers’ public announcement confirmed a bullpen game for Wednesday and reiterated Ohtani’s role as DH.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts expressed concern that delaying the start could cost Ohtani a pitching appearance in the All-Star Game and potentially disrupt his rhythm after a recent rise in ERA. Some observers questioned whether the knee and blister issues warranted a schedule change rather than a medical hold.
On-the-Ground Reports
In the series opener, Ohtani hit a projected 432-foot, three-run homer, contributing to a 9-4 Dodgers win in West Sacramento. He will continue to bat as DH for the remainder of the Athletics series.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Schedule vs. Health: Several sources cite scheduling as the primary factor, while others highlight the knee and blister as key reasons.
- Knee Status: Roberts said the knee “is not 100 percent,” yet also claimed Ohtani is “100 percent in the box” at the plate.
- Blister Impact: Some reports downplay the blister’s effect, whereas recent performance data suggests a correlation with his elevated ERA.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If there's any opportunity to give him some extra rest, we're going to try to take advantage of it,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “So pushing him to Friday allows us to have him still take two starts before the break and get on two division opponents. In that vein, there's just no downside. This made too much sense.” — Dave Roberts
- “I think it’s mostly schedule-driven,” — Dave Roberts
- “Look, he’s the greatest player to play this game,” — Dalton Rushing, catcher
- “There hasn’t been anyone in my lifetime that I’ve gotten to watch do what he’s doing at the level,” — Mark Kotsay, Athletics manager
What’s Next
Ohtani is slated to pitch Friday at Dodger Stadium against the Padres, followed by a potential start against the Diamondbacks before the All-Star break. The Dodgers will reassess his rotation schedule after the weekend series.
