Even after a multi-hit performance that finally ended his two-week home run drought, Shohei Ohtani will take a seat for the next two games. The Dodgers superstar is out of the lineup for Wednesday's rivalry matchup against the San Francisco Giants, and he'll also get Thursday off—marking his first consecutive non-injury, non-paternity leave absence since 2021.

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed after Tuesday's game that the plan was always to rest Ohtani during his scheduled start on the mound Wednesday, plus give him a full day off Thursday. "We were both good with it," Roberts said, noting that sometimes a couple days away from the batter's box can actually help a player reset mentally and physically.

With Ohtani sidelined, Mookie Betts slides into the leadoff spot, and Teoscar Hernández will serve as the designated hitter. Roberts did leave the door open for a potential pinch-hit appearance late in Thursday's game if the situation calls for it, but as things stand, this marks a rare two-day breather for the two-way phenom.

It's a calculated gamble for a Dodgers team that relies heavily on Ohtani's historic production—he's hit over 50 home runs in each of the last two seasons. But Roberts believes the short break will pay dividends down the stretch, giving Ohtani a chance to recharge both his body and mind during the long grind of a 162-game season.