Ohtani Return: Dodgers vs. Royals Saturday
- DENVER-Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has put an end to speculation about Shohei Ohtani taking the mound at the All-star game.
- Speaking before the Dodgers' series opener against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, Roberts indicated Ohtani's role at the July 15 game in Atlanta will likely be as a...
- roberts remained vague about ohtani's next pitching appearance for the Dodgers,mentioning Saturday's game in Kansas City against the Royals as a possibility.
Dodgers fans, get ready! Shohei Ohtani won’t be pitching in the All-Star Game, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. Roberts confirmed Ohtani’s role will be as a designated hitter, possibly batting leadoff, sparking excitement across the league.While his All-Star Game role is set, ohtani’s pitching return remains uncertain, with Saturday’s Dodgers vs. Royals game in Kansas City a potential opportunity. The three-time MVP, fresh off arm surgery, is hitting a stellar .291.His performance is closely followed, especially with a big money contract. News Directory 3 brings you the latest updates. Discover what’s next for Ohtani’s comeback and future outings!
Ohtani’s All-Star Game Status: roberts Rules Out Pitching
DENVER-Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has put an end to speculation about Shohei Ohtani taking the mound at the All-star game. Roberts, who will manage the National League squad, definitively said Ohtani will not pitch in the Midsummer Classic.
Speaking before the Dodgers’ series opener against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, Roberts indicated Ohtani’s role at the July 15 game in Atlanta will likely be as a designated hitter. He even suggested the possibility of Ohtani batting leadoff.
roberts remained vague about ohtani’s next pitching appearance for the Dodgers,mentioning Saturday’s game in Kansas City against the Royals as a possibility. “We’ll see,” Roberts said, emphasizing the need to keep options open.
Ohtani, a three-time MVP, is currently hitting .291 with 26 home runs and 49 RBIs. He led the NL in Phase 1 of fan voting for the All-Star Game. Roberts acknowledged the fans’ enthusiasm, stating, “He’s the best player, and it’s going to be exciting for the fans to watch him in Atlanta.”
Ohtani made his first pitching appearance since 2023 on June 16 against San Diego, throwing 28 pitches in one inning. In his most recent outing against Washington, he threw 12 strikes in 18 pitches, with his fastball reaching 98.8 mph.
The dodgers signed Ohtani to a $700 million, 10-year contract. He did not pitch in 2024 as he recovered from arm surgery.
When asked about Ohtani’s potential participation in the Home Run Derby, Roberts deferred, “That is a question for Shohei. I’m staying out of that.”
What’s next
Ohtani’s performance as a designated hitter will be closely watched as he continues his recovery and potential return to the mound. The Dodgers are carefully managing his workload to ensure his long-term health and contribution to the team.