Ohtani's Fourth Dodgers Start Moved to July 6

Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to make his fourth pitching start for the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 6, his 31st birthday, against the Houston Astros at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers are carefully managing Ohtani's return from September 2023 elbow surgery, limiting him to short outings—one inning in his first two starts and two innings in his third—for a cumulative 2.25 ERA across four innings. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized a gradual ramp-up, viewing Ohtani as a multi-inning opener and prioritizing long-term health. Justin Wrobleski will follow Ohtani on the mound, while the Dodgers adjust their rotation amid several injuries. Both Michael Kopech and Tyler Glasnow are returning from injury, bolstering the pitching staff. Despite recent setbacks, the Dodgers lead the NL West and are focused on postseason readiness.