Shohei Ohtani is out of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup on Wednesday for the first time this season.
After starting at designated hitter in each of the Dodgers’ first 32 games this season, Ohtani is off on Wednesday, with Will Smith getting a day as the DH.
Why is Shohei Ohtani Not in the Dodgers’ Lineup?
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made it clear it was no cause for concern before Wednesday’s game. Roberts told reporters it was just a standard day off for Ohtani.
Ohtani is off to a torrid start through March and April, slashing .336/.399/.618 with seven home runs and 19 runs batted in. He has an incredible OPS of 1.017, and has already accumulated 1.7 bWAR.
Ohtani is doing all this while coming off elbow surgery to repair a torn UCL. He also found himself in the middle of a massive gambling scandal where he was the victim of massive theft from his ex-interpreter and best friend.
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Ohtani has been living up to his $700 million contract thus far, and on Wednesday, Roberts wanted him to get a recovery day.
The Dodgers don’t play on Thursday, so Ohtani will get two days off before the Dodgers start a three-game series with the Atlanta Braves back at Dodger Stadium on Friday. He is available off the bench, though, if Roberts decides to let him hit at some point on Wednesday.
