Dodgers rumored to use interesting Shohei Ohtani DH strategy when pitching

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the best team in Major League Baseball, and two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is a big reason why.

While Ohtani and the Dodgers are great, that doesn't mean there aren't ways to get even better. That's exactly what the Dodgers are aiming for with Ohtani.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Dodgers might be employing a new strategy with Ohtani whenever he pitches.

Dodgers rumored to change Ohtani pitching plan

"Considering the way Shohei Ohtani dominated while being used as a pitcher without DH duties for the first time since 2021," Nightengale writes, "... don't be surprised if the Dodgers now start employing this tactic much more often.

While the Dodgers only sat Ohtani as a precaution in his most recent start, the Dodgers' superstar might now reside as a pitcher and hitter separately at times this season.

It worked this past outing, where he was solely the Dodgers pitcher, going six innings, allowing one run, and striking out 10 batters.

While he's acted as both a pitcher and hitter before in the same game, this new strategy could be a good way to help Ohtani get through the entirety of the 2026 season healthy.

More: Shohei Ohtani deemed more valuable than Aaron Judge in recent ESPN discussion piece

He's back to being a full-time starting pitcher, and even though he would be missing a few games as the team's designated hitter here and there, it might be the best case to keep him healthy.

This strategy, Nightengale alludes to the Dodgers' continuing might not be a full-time switch for Ohtani. He should still be in the lineup, as he's the best hitter on the team.

But, especially in the middle of the season, and the dog days of summer, having Ohtani be a pitcher only for a few starts isn't the worst idea.

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