Dodgers subtle move signals something is wrong with Shohei Ohtani

It doesn't benefit the Los Angeles Dodgers in any way to come out and say it.

But right now, at least relative to the past, something must be a bit wrong with Shohei Ohtani.

Ohtani again on Tuesday will just pitch and not hit, and while that would be normal for anyone else in baseball, it isn't normal for him.

In recent years, Ohtani has been in the batting order on the days he pitches. It's two-way mastery to the fullest extent.

But this season, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has taken Ohtani's bat out of the lineup more often than not when he starts on the mound.

Maybe the most concerning part here is that Roberts originally planned on Ohtani hitting Tuesday. Only after his Monday night showing did Roberts change his mind.

Ohtani is 0-for-17 at the plate in his last five games, so that's not an ideal selling point.

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He also didn't have encouraging body language on Monday, according to Bill Blunkett of the Orange County Register.

#Dodgers Shohei Ohtani will pitch and not hit Tuesday. Dave Roberts said he made the decision during the game Monday. Body language and quality of at-bats from Ohtani during the game convinced him to "take that off his plate" for a day

Ohtani is still plenty valuable even if he does only one of his two-way skills at a time, but it's definitely a bit disappointing.

Part of the mystique of Ohtani is that he does it all. He's one of the best pitchers and best hitters in the sport, all in one.

Lately, though, the Dodgers have shied away from keeping everything on Ohtani's plate at once. And no matter what they say, that's not a great sign.

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