Los Angeles, California – In a developing story that sent ripples through the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse and across Major League Baseball, two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani, the team’s designated hitter and burgeoning pitching ace, was conspicuously out of the lineup for the highly anticipated game against the Houston Astros. This unexpected absence, coming as Ohtani continues his carefully managed return to the mound in 2025, immediately raised questions about his health and availability.
The Dodgers were preparing for a crucial series against the Astros, a rematch of the 2017 World Series (which the Dodgers lost and was later embroiled in controversy surrounding the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal) and always a high-stakes affair. The absence of a player of Ohtani’s caliber, particularly one who has been hitting at an MVP level, is always a significant blow.
Manager Dave Roberts addressed the media before the game, confirming Ohtani’s absence. While the exact nature of the reason for him being “out” for this specific game against the Astros was not immediately detailed by the original prompt, the context of Ohtani’s season in 2025 provides crucial background.
Shohei Ohtani has been on a meticulously planned rehabilitation schedule since undergoing his second major elbow surgery in September 2023. This procedure sidelined him from pitching for the entire 2024 season, though he still managed to win the National League MVP as a designated hitter, leading the Dodgers to a World Series title. His highly anticipated return to the mound in 2025 began cautiously in mid-June, with short, controlled outings. He has been gradually building up his arm strength, throwing only a limited number of pitches and innings per start. Most recently, just days before this Astros game, he had reportedly thrown his fastest pitch of his career at 101.7 mph in his third mound start, though he only pitched two efficient innings.
Given this context, Ohtani being “out” for a game, especially as a pitcher, aligns with the Dodgers’ extremely cautious and long-term approach to his health. It’s highly probable that his absence was a pre-scheduled rest day for his arm, a strategic move by the Dodgers’ medical and coaching staff to ensure his durability over the course of a long season, rather than an unexpected injury. Managers often communicate these planned rest days or delayed pitching appearances to media to avoid undue speculation.
In fact, prior reporting indicates that Dave Roberts has been very clear about Ohtani’s pitching workload this season. Roberts has repeatedly stated that Ohtani’s build-up will be cautious, and it’s uncertain if he’ll ever reach a standard starter’s workload of six innings and 90 pitches in 2025. The Dodgers view any pitching appearances this year as a bonus, prioritizing his health and hitting contributions. They are focused on efficiency and durability over volume, acknowledging Ohtani’s extraordinary capabilities but also the delicate nature of his recovery from two elbow surgeries.
The phrase “He also sent a message to Dave Roberts, the manager of the Dodgers, regarding…” hints at a communication that could shed more light on this situation. While the specific content of this message is not provided by the prompt, previous interactions between Ohtani and Roberts offer potential insights into the nature of their communication:
- Pitching Progression & Schedule: Ohtani has been deeply involved in his pitching progression. Roberts has stated that he regularly discusses Ohtani’s feel and comfort level with him. For example, Roberts has mentioned that Ohtani, despite his otherworldly conditioning, still needs rest. Roberts was also inclined to move Ohtani out of his customary leadoff spot and further down the lineup on days he pitches to give him a break, though Ohtani initially preferred to remain in the leadoff spot. This could be a message about his readiness for his next mound outing, or perhaps a confirmation of his comfort level with a particular throwing schedule.
- Health Updates: Given Ohtani’s injury history, a message to Roberts could simply be a check-in on how he’s feeling physically. While he’s been hitting exceptionally well (leading the NL in home runs and OPS and receiving the most All-Star votes), the return to pitching carries a different kind of physical toll. A message could be as simple as, “My arm feels great for my next turn,” or perhaps, “I need an extra day.”
- Playing Through Minor Ailments: Ohtani is known for his toughness and desire to play. He famously played through an oblique injury at the end of the 2023 season and a shoulder subluxation during the 2024 World Series. A message to Roberts could be about his willingness to push through any minor stiffness or fatigue, or conversely, a request for a rest day if he feels it’s truly necessary for his long-term health. Roberts has often alluded to Ohtani’s pain tolerance, comparing him to Freddie Freeman in his ability to play through discomfort.
- Strategic Input: While Roberts makes the final decisions, Ohtani is a generational talent who likely has a degree of input on his unique two-way regimen. His message could be related to his preference for certain bullpen sessions, live batting practice, or game scenarios as he builds up his arm.
- Prank War: This is a less serious, but notable, aspect of their relationship. Ohtani and Roberts have engaged in an ongoing “prank war,” often involving each other’s cars. While unlikely to be related to a game absence, it speaks to their close and playful rapport. Roberts once filled Ohtani’s Porsche with plastic balls as payback for a toy car prank Ohtani pulled on him.
Considering the timing – a game against a significant rival, the Houston Astros – and Ohtani’s current status as a pitcher carefully making his way back, the most probable “message” would be related to his physical readiness or a confirmation of a pre-planned rest day for his pitching arm. The Dodgers are being exceedingly cautious with their $700 million investment, ensuring Ohtani is fully healthy for the long haul, especially as they eye another deep postseason run.
While Ohtani’s absence as a pitcher against the Astros is a strategic management decision, his continued presence as an offensive juggernaut remains undiminished. His recent achievement of leading the National League in All-Star votes as a designated hitter underscores his status as a premier offensive force, even as he gradually ramps up his pitching duties. The baseball world, and especially Dodgers fans, will continue to follow Ohtani’s journey with bated breath, eager for every pitch and every swing, and understanding that every strategic decision, including a day out of the lineup, is made with the long-term goal of his unparalleled two-way brilliance in mind.
