Dave Roberts Sends Message After Shohei Ohtani Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 4:10 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has been on a tear in the month of August, helping the team reclaim the NL West division lead entering Wednesday.

The Japanese sensation has posted a .397 batting average, 1.262 OPS, five home runs, and four stolen bases over his last 58 at-bats. Since returning to the mound, Ohtani currently owns a 3.47 ERA, striking out 32 hitters across 23.1 innings pitched as he continues to ramp up his workload recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Ohtani’s contributions this season have him as the clear-cut favorite to win National League MVP for the second consecutive season, and it would mark the fourth time he’s captured the award in his eight-year career.

Dave Roberts Addresses Shohei Ohtani Move

Ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies, manager Dave Roberts decided that Ohtani would get a day off after his start, missing the series finale on Thursday.

Roberts explained the move via Dodgers Nation, “I talked to him a little bit on the bench today. He’s going to leave it all out there tomorrow and he’ll be down on Thursday.”

After the series against the Rockies, the Dodgers will head to San Diego to take on the Padres in a crucial divisional matchup, as Los Angeles only holds a two-game lead for first place in the NL West.

Ohtani will look to be fully rested ahead of the series as he continues to provide timely hitting against the Dodgers’ division rival.

The 31-year-old superstar has had a Hall-of-Fame caliber career in just eight seasons with the Los Angeles Angels and the Dodgers. He won AL Rookie of the Year in 2018 and since then has captured five consecutive All-Star selections and helped the Dodgers win the World Series in 2024.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: