Dodgers Suffer Blow as Shohei Ohtani May Miss Giants Series Finale

Apr 21, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) warms up before a game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn ImagesLos Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani could end up resting on Thursday afternoon after making his pitching start on Wednesday.Ohtani is hitting and pitching on Wednesday, leading off and starting for the Dodgers, something he has not done in a week. AdvertisementLast time he took the mound against the New York Mets on Jackie Robinson Day, the Japanese star was out of the lineup as the Dodgers wanted to take it easy on his body after getting hit by a pitch in the back.However, he has not missed a game since his start against the Mets, appearing in the lineup every day and continuing to grow his on-base streak. Apr 21, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) warms up before a game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn ImagesBefore Ohtani’s start on Wednesday, Roberts “left open the possibility of giving him a day off tomorrow given the afternoon start time,” according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Ohtani is known for his resistance to time off, wanting to play as much as possible. Still, he has seemingly been prioritizing his pitching appearances and has been open to resting on his pitching days, as evidenced by Robert’s comments.AdvertisementEven last season, Ohtani likely would have pushed to pitch and hit once he returned as a pitcher, but he is seemingly playing the long game, avoiding excessive wear on his body so he can keep pitching.Who replaces Shohei Ohtani in the lineup?The Dodgers have a good deal of options to move into the designated hitter spot, namely Dalton Rushing, who is making back-up catcher appearances and has played at first base when Freddie Freeman left the team and designated hitter against the Mets, when Rushing hit a home run, one of his seven.Other alternatives are Teoscar Hernandez, who is one of the weaker defensive outfielders, or potentially moving a starter like Max Muncy to DH and letting Santiago Espinal get some game time at third base.AdvertisementRushing, though, is the clearest option, as he has been one of the best hitters in baseball, albeit in a small sample size, and Will Smith gets to remain in the order.Since Tyler Glasnow is pitching and the Dodgers like to attach a catcher to a pitcher, Smith would stay behind the dish, and Rushing takes over at DH.Regardless of who fills in, Ohtani is missed in the order. He is someone pitchers fear, as evidenced by their pitch selection and hesitance to throw strikes, and he offers speed on the bases, along with the possibility of giving Kyle Tucker good looks at pitchers.What do you think about Ohtani getting some rest amid a consistent run of games on the road?