Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers managed Shohei Ohtani’s workload on Wednesday night by limiting their two-way superstar to only starting as a pitcher in the series finale against the New York Mets.
Dalton Rushing took Ohtani’s role as designated hitter in the Dodgers lineup, and Kyle Tucker was moved up to the leadoff spot. The decision stemmed from Ohtani getting hit by a pitch in the back of his right shoulder on Monday night.
“This one game, it just makes the most sense to give us the best chance to manage the shoulder and back,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Shohei Ohtani’s streak
Ohtani proceeded to limit the Mets to just one run and set a season high with 10 strikeouts over six innings. Ohtani’s streak of not allowing an earned run ended at 32.2 innings, when MJ Melendez hit an RBI ground-rule double in the fifth that landed just out of Kyle Tucker’s reach because of an inefficient route.
What did stay alive, however, despite mass confusion on social media — if not outright concern — was Ohtani’s active on-base streak of 48 games. Yes, Ohtani is still considered under the MLB rulebook to have his on-base streak due to not making a plate appearance in the Dodgers’ win.
Had the Dodgers for some reason elected to have him do so and forfeit their DH spot, then Ohtani’s on-base streak would have been in jeopardy of ending if he did not reach safely.
So, rest assured, Ohtani is heading into the start of the road trip with the fourth-longest on-base streak in Dodgers franchise history still intact.
Shawn Green is the L.A. record holder at 53 games, and Duke Snider’s 58 games is the longest on-base streak in Dodgers franchise history.
Wednesday was the first time since May 28, 2021, that Ohtani did not hit during a pitching start. That game was prior to MLB implementing the two-way rule that allows Ohtani to remain in a game after being removed as a pitcher.
It also could be a strategy the Dodgers choose to implement in his future pitching starts.
“I think that it’s something I’m going to keep an eye on if it makes sense but not just kind of do it proactively,” Roberts said. “It’s got to make sense to not have your best hitter not in the lineup.”
Ohtani suggested he is open accepting the rest of sorts in some of his future starts.
“Yeah, totally,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. “We had a really good DH hit today, so I’m very open to that.”
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