Dodgers Set Limit on Shohei Ohtani for First Start vs Guardians

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is starting a season with the team totally healthy for the first time since inking his 10-year, $700 million deal.

The baseball unicorn will be pitching and hitting to start 2026, taking full advantage of his two-way skill set, though it will be a challenge for the Dodgers as they have never started a season with Ohtani this ready.

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Ohtani is seemingly angling for a Cy Young award run this season, and with that will come a serious pitching workload, along with his designated hitter responsibilities.

Throughout Spring Training, Ohtani has been preparing on both sides of the field, refining his pitching mechanics during bullpen sessions and making appearances in the lineup.

Mar 23, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) warms up before a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Ohtani has 12 plate appearances during Spring Training, hitting 3-for-11 with three RBIs and a walk as well. Additionally, he scored two doubles, three hits while striking out at the plate four times.

As a pitcher, Ohtani has made one start, going 4.1 innings against the San Francisco Giants. His stuff looked crisp, getting four strikeouts and allowing just one hit and two walks.

With Ohtani ready to pitch at the start of the season, the Dodgers are being careful with him, aiming to give him additional rest whenever possible.

Ohtani’s first start vs. the Guardians

According to Dave Roberts, Ohtani will pitch against the Cleveland Guardians on Mar 31, giving him a full week from his last Spring Training start on Tuesday.

Roberts, ahead of Ohtani’s start against the Angels, said that Ohtani will not pitch more than seven innings during his first start.

Dave Roberts says Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch more than 7 innings in his first start of the Dodgers 2026 season.

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) March 24, 2026

“When you’re talking about the first game of the season, could he get through six? I mean, could he touch the seventh? Yes, but he won’t touch the eighth inning,” Roberts explained during his press conference.

“So there’s got to be some responsibility as far as how we manage him and then looking out the ensuing days.”

Ohtani will get the platform to do magical things in 2026, with the ability to pitch and hit, racking up home runs and strikeouts that could break his previous bests.

Ultimately, Ohtani’s season will be defined by what he wins in terms of trophies, and the biggest one is won during October, something the Dodgers will keep in mind all year.

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