Dodgers fans checking the lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Mets got a surprise: Shohei Ohtani's name was missing from the DH spot. Manager Dave Roberts made the strategic call to have the two-way phenom focus solely on his pitching duties for the day, a decision he called the "right one" for the player and the team.

The move came after Ohtani was hit by a pitch on his throwing shoulder during Monday's game. While the soreness was improving, Roberts and the training staff felt eliminating the physical and mental demands of hitting would allow Ohtani to stay loose and focused on the mound. "We felt it was the best thing for him," Roberts explained pregame, noting Ohtani understood the reasoning completely.

This temporary shift highlights the unique challenge and careful management required for a talent like Ohtani, who routinely performs at an MVP level both as a pitcher and a hitter. Roberts emphasized this is not a permanent change, expecting Ohtani to return as the DH in his next start. However, he left the door open for similar situational decisions in the future, acknowledging that occasionally prioritizing one elite skill over the other might be what's best for the long season.

For now, it's a reminder that even superstars need managed workloads, and the Dodgers are meticulously protecting their historic investment to ensure he's dominating on the field all season long.