The Dodgers have a troubling trend: they’re carrying no-hitters into late innings but still coming up short. Recently, Shohei Ohtani took the mound against the Phillies and threw five hitless innings, yet the team lost 9-6 after the bullpen faltered.
This isn’t just a fluke. Just a few games prior, Yoshinobu Yamamoto almost no-hit the Orioles, only to watch Baltimore rally for a win. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts aims to keep Ohtani healthy as he returns from Tommy John surgery. He emphasized the importance of being cautious with Ohtani’s innings, stating, “It was a hard five innings, and guys have to do their jobs.”
Ohtani’s fifth start since his return was significant. Though he’s pitched well, he’s completed five innings only twice. Roberts plans to be careful with Ohtani’s pitch count, capping it at 87 so far. He threw only 68 pitches against the Phillies, striking out five batters and walking one, which kept the Dodgers in a 4-0 lead.
The decision to pull Ohtani was strategic. Reports from SportsNet LA revealed that he was ready to pitch more, but Roberts needed to prioritize overall health. “We have to stick to the plan,” he said. Ohtani himself expressed respect for the manager’s decision, acknowledging the final call was on him.
Despite the setback, Ohtani dominated on the mound, lowering his ERA to 3.29 and hitting his 50th homer of the season. The Dodgers (84-67) are still in the playoff mix, holding a slim lead over the Padres but trailing the Phillies for a better seed.
The ongoing struggles raise questions about the Dodgers’ playoff strategy. According to a recent survey, fan confidence is wavering as the team navigates critical late-game situations. Social media buzz reflects mixed feelings. Some fans understand the cautious approach, while others feel frustrated by missed opportunities.
As they face tough upcoming series against contenders like the Giants and Diamondbacks, the Dodgers need to balance the health of their stars with the urgency of playoff positioning. This balancing act will be essential for their hopes of advancing in the postseason.
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MLB,Sports,dave roberts,los angeles dodgers,philadelphia phillies,Shohei Ohtani
