Los Angeles Dodgers DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) will face live hitters on Saturday before the game at Citi Field against the New York Mets, according to manager Dave Roberts. It's a big step for Ohtani as he works to return as a pitcher from Tommy John surgery after he mixed in some breaking pitches during a light mid-week bullpen session on Wednesday. The 30-year-old MVP missed all of the 2024 season as a pitcher in his first year in L.A., but he's getting close to his Dodgers debut on the mound this year. Ohtani is expected to skip a minor-league rehab assignment as a pitcher and instead build up his arm via simulated games. Barring a setback once he starts facing live hitters, Ohtani could join the Dodgers' starting rotation at some point in June, and he'll become a must-start for fantasy managers whenever he takes the hill.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning of Wednesday night's win over Arizona, providing the Dodgers with all their offense for the entire game. Hernandez finished the game 1-for-3 with his home run and a strikeout, and the rest of the batting order went just 4-for-26. His three-run blast came off Corbin Burnes and gives Hernandez 10 homers in his 36 games this season. He's hitting .307, which would be a new career-high, with a .292 ISO and .395 wOBA. Since returning from the IL, Hernandez is 1-for-8 with two runs scored and four RBI, but he made that one hit count on Wednesday, delivering the difference-maker as the Dodgers took their second straight win headed into Thursday's scheduled off-day.

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks. Dalton Rushing will get the start behind the plate instead. Smith doesn't get the luxury of starting at DH on his rest days like he used to earlier in his career, and he now is expected to rest a couple of days per week to get Rushing acclimated to the majors. He's still making the most of his playing time, as he's batting .339 on the year.

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) mixed in breaking pitches for the first time during a throwing session on Tuesday. Ohtani had been limited to fastballs and splitters previously as he continues to rehab his second Tommy John surgery in September of 2023. Manager Dave Roberts said that Ohtani is getting closer to facing live hitters for the first time. The Dodgers don't have a firm timetable for the Japanese MVP to return to their starting rotation, but it has been expected to come around the All-Star break in mid-July. Offensively, Ohtani continues to be among the best in the big leagues and is currently hitting .311 (59-for-190) with a major-league-leading 17 home runs. He also leads the league in runs scored (52) while recording nine doubles, 31 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 47 games played.

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto tossed a gem in a 4-3 win in 10 innings over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday. Yamamoto threw seven innings of scoreless ball while allowing just one hit, walking two, and striking out nine. He had to settle for a no-decision, however, as the Los Angeles bullpen was not able to hold onto a 1-0 lead after he departed. Yamamoto has been dominant over 10 starts this season, posting a 5-3 record, 1.86 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 68 strikeouts over 58 innings of work. With a road date against the Cleveland Guardians up next for the ace, Yamamoto remains a must-start in fantasy whenever he takes the mound.