Dodgers make big Shohei Ohtani decision ahead of Astros matchup

The Los Angeles Dodgers will put their 22-13 record to the test when Shohei Ohtani takes the mound on Tuesday night.

The Japanese superstar will look to continue his dominant run in the second game of a three-game series vs. the Houston Astros.

However, unlike in his previous starts, that's the only thing he will do for Dave Roberts' team. Following the Dodgers' win in the series opener, Roberts revealed that Ohtani wouldn't hit on Tuesday.

The Dodgers will take a "start by start" approach with Shohei Ohtani

“Tomorrow, he is just going to pitch,” Roberts confirmed, per MLB.com's Courtney Hollman. “I just decided that [by] just kind of watching him, just giving him the opportunity to focus on the pitching  [and] rest his body. I think it’s best for him.”

Ohtani has been an NL Cy Young candidate this season, posting a 2-1 record with a ridiculous 0.60 ERA and 0.87 WHIP with 34 strikeouts. However, he's gotten off to a surprisingly slow start to the season at the plate. He's posted a .240 batting average with a .382 OBP with six home runs and 14 RBI. 

That's not necessarily bad, but definitely not up to his usual standards. As such, Roberts said he'll take a "start by start" approach to decide whether he'll allow his superstar to hit and pitch on the same night.

“I think regardless, it's still a big toll,” Roberts said. “We've certainly enjoyed the fruits of him doing [hitting and pitching], which he will continue to at times. But I just felt that in my mind, just kind of seeing how it's playing, I think it's best for him.”

The first-place Dodgers can certainly afford to be patient with their superstar, and it should be just a matter of time before he gets back on track.