The Los Angeles Dodgers are keeping fans on the edge of their seats as they continue to fine-tune the game plan for their superstar, Shohei Ohtani. In a recent series finale against the New York Mets, manager Dave Roberts made a bold call: Ohtani took the mound but sat out the lineup as a hitter. The result? A masterclass on the mound, with Ohtani striking out 10 batters over six innings, allowing just one run and two hits in an 8-2 victory. It was a performance that had fans buzzing and marked the first time since 2021 that Ohtani focused solely on pitching during a start.

According to MLB.com's Sonja Chen, Ohtani didn't bat, with Kyle Tucker sliding into the leadoff spot and Dalton Rushing stepping in as designated hitter. The decision paid off, as Ohtani's 22 swing-and-misses against the Mets were a career high with the Dodgers. But the big question now is: Will this become the new norm?

Not so fast, says Roberts. In a post-game update, the Dodgers skipper hinted that Ohtani could return to his dual-threat role in his next start, scheduled for Tuesday in Houston. "Dave Roberts said he is leaning towards having Shohei Ohtani also hit when he makes his next pitching start," Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett reported. It's a move that reflects the ongoing balancing act the team faces with their two-way phenom.

As the season unfolds, the Dodgers will likely continue to experiment with how best to deploy Ohtani's unique talents. For now, fans can expect a mix of explosive hitting and dominant pitching—a combination that makes every Ohtani start a must-watch event. Whether he's crushing home runs or mowing down batters, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come for this generational talent.