Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is in the midst of his toughest stretch since joining the team—a slump that has prompted an unusually drastic response from the club.

Ohtani's 2024 season was nothing short of magical. He single-handedly created the 50/50 club, showcasing the kind of power and speed that had never been seen before. In 2025, he actually hit one more home run (55), though his stolen base total dropped by 39 and his slash line dipped slightly across the board.

The difference? He started pitching again. After recovering from Tommy John surgery, Ohtani spent 2024 as a hitter only, which allowed him to focus entirely on his offensive game. He didn't return to the mound until midway through the 2025 season.

Now, in his first full season as a two-way player with the Dodgers, Ohtani's brilliance has been lopsided. On the mound, he's been nearly untouchable, posting a ridiculous 0.97 ERA and looking like arguably the best pitcher in the National League. But at the plate, it's a different story entirely.

Ohtani's swing has lost its confidence. He's forcing the issue with aggressive swing choices, and the results have been painful to watch. Over the last 14 days entering Tuesday's games, he was hitting just .105/.261/.132 with three RBIs, seven walks, and 11 strikeouts. For the season, his line sits at .233 with a .767 OPS, six home runs, and 16 RBIs.

Enter the Dodgers' bold plan. Manager Dave Roberts announced that Ohtani will not hit on Thursday for the series finale against the Giants, and is leaning toward also keeping him out of the lineup on Wednesday—the day he's scheduled to pitch. Roberts explained the decision is about giving Ohtani both physical and mental rest, hoping to help him reset and find his groove again.

This is a significant move, especially considering Ohtani's well-known reluctance to take days off. He wants to play every day, barring injury. But with his offensive struggles reaching a critical point, the Dodgers are stepping in to protect their franchise cornerstone—even if it means forcing him to take a seat.