The Dodgers are usually pretty generous when it comes to giving their guys rest days. Take Mookie Betts for example. Dave Roberts gave him off days on July 19 and 20, likely to address a season-long slump and potentially fatigue. But with Shohei Ohtani, it’s been a different story. The two-way player’s only time off this season came back in April when his wife was expecting. Although placed on a three-day off, he was reinstated in just two days. And since then, he’s been out there. Every. Single. Day.

After the first two games of the series, the Dodgers and Rockies are now tied at 1-1. The two-way superstar is scheduled to take the mound for the Dodgers in the third game of the series.

For the last three weeks, the Dodgers have scheduled an off day each Thursday following a Shohei Ohtani start, allowing him a full day of rest from his two-way duties. This week, however, the routine will be a little different.

While Ohtani is still set to pitch on Wednesday, the team will play a series finale on Thursday at Coors Field, breaking his pattern of getting a full day off after his start. This change in schedule will challenge the Dodgers to manage his workload in a new way.

“Shohei Ohtani will be off on Thursday, Dave Roberts said. Will Smith will likely DH. It’s Ohtani’s first true off day this season (missed two games in April while on the paternity list),” The Athletic’s writer, Fabian Ardaya, shared on his X.

This past weekend, Dodgers handed a 3-game sweep to Padres. They now comfortably sit two games ahead at the top of the NL West (72-54), thanks to Padres losing to the Giants.

Ohtani is heating the NL MVP race

Well, Ohtani just keeps rolling for the Dodgers. And since getting cleared to pitch again, he’s looked sharp on the mound. Yes, he’s not going deep into games yet. But that’s by the Dodgers’ plan as he builds back up after not pitching since 2023.

Currently at the plate, Ohtani has been a force as L.A.’s leadoff man. This season, he has played in 124 games, putting up an impressive .284 batting average with 137 hits in 483 at-bats. He has a total of 44 home runs, 83 RBIs, and has scored 120 runs, with 17 stolen bases. His OPS stands at a remarkable 1.015.

Ohtani was the clear NL MVP favorite even before returning to the rotation. And now that he’s contributing at a high level on both sides, the race is even more heated. However, the closest competition might be Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies, who’s having the best season of his career at 32.

He’s been on fire in the second half, blasting 14 homers with a 1.018 OPS since the All-Star break. And overall, Schwarber sits at 44 homers, tied with Ohtani.

Well, Shohei Ohtani, with his two-way ability, is poised to be untouched in the coming time. And getting him healthy in the postseason would be the best bet for the Dodgers to repeat their World Series triumph.