Dodgers reveal Shohei Ohtani decision ahead of Mets game

The Los Angeles Dodgers will use Shohei Ohtani strictly as a pitcher in his return to the mound on Wednesday, with Dalton Rushing serving as the designated hitter in the lineup for the game against the Mets. The decision stands despite MLB rules allowing a pitcher to hit in the same game they pitch.

The Dodgers are using Ohtani only as a pitcher for this start, though MLB rules permit him to bat in the same game. This will be the first time since May 28, 2021 that Ohtani does not hit during a pitching appearance.

The Dodgers’ batting order for the game is as follows: Tucker (RF), Freeman (1B), Smith (C), T. Hernández (LF), Muncy (3B), Pages (CF), Rushing (DH), Kim (SS), Freeland (2B).

Ohtani comes into the start with an excellent early-season line, going 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in two appearances and spanning 12 scoreless innings.

Ohtani was hit by a David Peterson pitch earlier in the series, and while it’s not clear whether that incident influenced the lineup decision, the Dodgers will proceed with him solely as a pitcher for this game.

This start represents Ohtani’s ongoing return to the rotation as he continues to build on a dominant early showing, looking to maintain momentum for Los Angeles against New York.