Dodgers Announce Shohei Ohtani Decision Ahead of Blue Jays Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 9:57 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has established himself as the best player in Major League Baseball since his career began in 2018. Heading into Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, Ohtani had a career slash line of .281/.375/.581 with an OPS of .956, totaling 280 home runs and 669 RBIs at the plate.

On the mound, Ohtani has been just as good. In 101 career starts, he has a record of 40-20, pitching to a 2.96 ERA in 534 2/3 innings with 676 strikeouts and 185 walks.

Across his eight previous seasons in the majors, Ohtani had made five All-Star Game appearances, won four Silver Slugger Awards, four MVPs and two World Series titles.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) against the Cleveland Guardians.Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Through the first five games of the 2026 season, Ohtani had gone 3-for-15 at the plate with six walks and two runs scored. He also made his first start on the mound on Tuesday in the Los Angeles' 4-1 victory over the Guardians.

In the game, he tossed six scoreless innings, giving up just one hit, three walks and one hit by pitch while striking out six batters.

On Wednesday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gave an update on when Ohtani will next toe the rubber for Los Angeles.

"Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani’s next pitching outing will likely be the last day in Toronto. Also, he reiterated from last night that Justin Wrobleski will start one of the games on this upcoming road trip," The Athletic reporter Fabian Ardaya said.

Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani’s next pitching outing will likely be the last day in Toronto.

Also, he reiterated from last night that Justin Wrobleski will start one of the games on this upcoming road trip.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) April 1, 2026

Ohtani is coming off a 2025 season where he made 15 pitching appearances after returning from Tommy John surgery in September 2023, which held him from pitching in the entire 2024 season.

The final game in the Dodgers' series against the Toronto Blue Jays will be on April 8 at Rogers Centre at 3:07 p.m. ET.

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

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