Dodgers Limit Ohtani to Pitching Tuesday Amid Slump

HOUSTON - Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani put in an extensive pregame workout Monday at Daikin Park before his team's 8-3 victory over the Houston Astros, but manager Dave Roberts later announced a change to his two-way role amid the player's ongoing hitting slump.

Three hours before the first pitch, the 31-year-old Ohtani took rare on-field batting practice, logging 55 swings to address his 0-for-14 skid entering the series. He later returned in full uniform with his pitcher's mitt for bullpen throws ahead of his scheduled Tuesday start. In the game, Ohtani went hitless in five at-bats, extending his drought to 0-for-17 over five straight games, though he walked twice and drove in a run.

Roberts decided Ohtani would focus solely on pitching Tuesday, marking the third time in his last four outings that the four-time MVP has been limited to one role. "It's definitely not based on results," Roberts said, citing observations of Ohtani's body language. "Just kind of seeing how it's playing out, I think it's best for everyone."

Ohtani's pitching has excelled this season, with a 2-1 record and 0.60 ERA over five starts, earning him National League Pitcher of the Month honors....