Dodgers Defeat Astros as Ohtani Skips DH Duty on Tuesday

By Azon Vault On May 6, 2026

Game Recap: Dodgers Clinch Victory Over Astros

The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a pivotal win against the Houston Astros on Tuesday night, breaking a five‑game streak the Astros had enjoyed at home. A combined effort from the Dodgers’ pitching staff and timely hitting propelled them to a 4–2 victory.

Key Moments

Opening Pitcher: Tyler Anderson delivered six strong innings, allowing just two runs on six hits while striking out nine.
Crucial Home Run: Mookie Betts hit a two‑run homer in the fifth inning, turning a 1–1 tie into a 3–1 lead.
Late‑Game Relief: Josh Hader closed the game with a flawless ninth, preserving the win.

Why the Astros Fell Short

Houston’s offense struggled against Anderson’s fastball‑changeup mix. Despite a solid start from Framber Valdez, the Dodgers’ defense forced two early outs, limiting the Astros to just one run after the third inning.

Shohei Ohtani’s DH Status: Why He Won’t Hit Tuesday

Although Ohtani is listed on the Angels’ roster, managers announced he will not serve as the designated hitter (DH) for Tuesday’s game. The decision stems from:

Rest Management: After pitching a complete game last weekend, the Angels are preserving his arm and limiting his workload.
Strategic Matchup: Houston’s left‑handed relievers have performed well against right‑handed hitters, and the Angels prefer a lineup that maximizes left‑handed batters.
Minor Injury Concerns: Ohtani reported mild shoulder tightness, prompting a precautionary day off from the plate.

He will remain on the bench as a pinch‑hitter later in the game if needed, but he is not slated to start.

What This Means for the Teams

The Dodgers’ win tightens the NL West race, pulling them within a half‑game of the San Francisco Giants. For the Astros, the loss highlights the need to adjust their bullpen strategy against power‑pitching attacks.

Meanwhile, Ohtani’s skip may affect the Angels’ offensive output, but it also suggests a long‑term approach to keep him healthy for the playoffs.

Bottom Line

Los Angeles walked away with a crucial win, showcasing depth in both starting and relief pitching. Houston must regroup quickly, while the Angels will monitor Ohtani’s health before deciding his role in the upcoming games.