Shohei Ohtani Pitches but Sits Out Batting Due to Hit-by-Pitch Soreness
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani took the mound as a starting pitcher against the New York Mets on April 15, 2026, but did not participate in batting duties for the first time since 2021. The decision to exclude him from the lineup as a designated hitter or batter was due to lingering soreness resulting from a recent hit-by-pitch incident. Despite the injury concern affecting his offensive role, Ohtani performed effectively on the pitcher's mound in Los Angeles. During the game, he recorded key strikeouts, including ending the sixth inning by striking out Mets player Bo Bichette, and interacted with catcher Will Smith. This partial participation highlights the ongoing management of Ohtani's physical condition as he balances his dual-role capabilities. The event marks a notable deviation from his usual two-way play style, drawing attention to how the Dodgers are handling his recovery while maintaining his pitching contributions. The game took place at the Dodgers' home stadium, where fans witnessed Ohtani's pitching prowess even as his batting remained sidelined for precautionary health reasons.
Wire timeline
Shohei Ohtani Pitches but Sits Out Batting Due to Hit-by-Pitch Soreness
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani took the mound as a starting pitcher against the New York Mets on April 15, 2026, but did not participate in batting duties for the first time since 2021. The decision to exclude him from the lineup as a designated hitter or batter was due to lingering soreness resulting from a recent hit-by-pitch incident. Despite the injury concern affecting his offensive role, Ohtani performed effectively on the pitcher's mound in Los Angeles. During the game, he recorded key strikeouts, including ending the sixth inning by striking out Mets player Bo Bichette, and interacted with catcher Will Smith. This partial participation highlights the ongoing management of Ohtani's physical condition as he balances his dual-role capabilities. The event marks a notable deviation from his usual two-way play style, drawing attention to how the Dodgers are handling his recovery while maintaining his pitching contributions. The game took place at the Dodgers' home stadium, where fans witnessed Ohtani's pitching prowess even as his batting remained sidelined for precautionary health reasons.
AP News