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Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani leans back to avoid getting hit with the ball while at bat during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Los Angeles.

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Dodgers give Shohei Ohtani a DH break as his offensive slump deepens

Dodgers give Shohei Ohtani a DH break as his offensive slump deepens

Shohei Ohtani is getting a break from batting for at least one day. The Los Angeles Dodgers star is 4 for 36 at the plate this month, with just six home runs this season and none in May. Ohtani is batting .233 with 16 RBIs. Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani won't be in the lineup as the designated hitter on Thursday. Roberts also is considering not having Ohtani hit Wednesday when he starts on the mound against the San Francisco Giants. Ohtani is in his first full season as a two-way player for the Dodgers.