Ohtani returns to the mound vs. Rockies on Monday: Dodgers with updates

Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to make his next pitching start on Monday against the Colorado Rockies in Los Angeles. Originally, Ohtani was scheduled to start on Wednesday in Pittsburgh, but due to a chest cold, he was limited to designated hitter duties. Emmet Sheehan was the one who took his place in the Dodgers’ loss. The Dodgers catcher, Will Smith, was not in the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Pirates. The three-time All-Star suffered a contusion on his right hand on Wednesday, the result of a foul ball.

“He wants to give him the best chance to pitch five innings in his next start”.

Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

Manager Dave Roberts explained that the decision to postpone Ohtani’s next start until next week was made to give him enough recovery time. The 2024 National League MVP will continue to serve as the designated hitter. Ohtani did not pitch last season, his first with the Dodgers, as he recovered from his second Tommy John surgery on his elbow. His debut on the mound this season was on June 16, and he has a 1-1 record and a 4.18 ERA in 11 starts. In 136 games, Ohtani bats .280 with 46 home runs. He leads the National League with 125 runs scored and a slugging percentage of .610. Smith’s hand X-rays on Wednesday night were negative. He underwent imaging tests on Thursday, but the results were not immediately available. Smith is batting .296 with 17 home runs in 109 games. Rookie catcher Dalton Rushing will handle most of the work behind the plate while Smith is out of action. The Dodgers selected veteran catcher Ben Rortvedt’s contract from Triple-A Oklahoma City and sent infielder Alex Freeland to the same club. Right-handed pitcher Alexis Díaz, an All-Star in 2023 with Cincinnati, was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Rortvedt. Rortvedt has spent seasons in the Major Leagues with Minnesota, the New York Yankees, and Tampa Bay. He is a career .186 hitter in 209 games. Third baseman Max Muncy is also expected to begin a rehab assignment with Oklahoma City on Thursday night. Muncy was placed on the injured list with a right oblique strain on August 15.