Ohtani Takes the Mound but Sits Out Batting Lineup for First Time in Three Years Due to Hit-by-Pitch Soreness

Shohei Ohtani made his return to the pitcher's mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night, but for the first time in over three years, the two-way superstar was absent from the batting lineup. Ohtani served as the starting pitcher without appearing as designated hitter, a rare occurrence driven by lingering soreness from a recent hit-by-pitch.

The last time Ohtani pitched without also batting was May 28, 2021, when he was still with the Los Angeles Angels. That lengthy streak of dual appearances underscored just how remarkable his consistency and durability have been as one of baseball's most unique talents.

The Dodgers made the cautious decision to hold Ohtani out of the hitting lineup to manage the discomfort in his arm or side stemming from the hit-by-pitch. The team has invested heavily in the Japanese star and is clearly taking no chances with his health during what is a pivotal stretch of the season.

Ohtani's ability to both pitch at an elite level and produce offensively as a designated hitter has made him one of the most valuable players in Major League Baseball history. His absence from the lineup, even for a single game, highlights how much the Dodgers rely on his offensive contributions in addition to his pitching.

The Dodgers and their fans will be closely watching Ohtani's recovery in the coming days, hoping the soreness subsides quickly and that the two-way phenom can return to his usual full role. No timetable for his return to the batting order has been officially announced by the organization.