Dodgers’ Ohtani Out of Lineup Due to Health Concerns

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts informed Shohei Ohtani via text on Wednesday night that he would not be playing in Thursday’s series finale against the Cardinals. Ohtani acknowledged the decision with a salute emoji.

“He wants to be in there,” Roberts commented. “But his presence isn’t guaranteed just because of his name.” Ohtani deals with persistent pain in his right biceps and left knee, making his participation uncertain.

Roberts dismissed the likelihood of an injured list stint, yet Ohtani’s health status raises team-planning questions. Planning the Dodgers’ rotation is challenging without clarity on Ohtani’s ability to pitch again this season. The team’s offense remains hindered by his recent slump, as he has managed just two hits in his last six games, compared to a .241 average in August.

Roberts explained, “Great players often feel their partial contribution is superior, so they aim to be active.” Balancing trust in players and ensuring their long-term health requires careful consideration, especially for key players like Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw. They rely on input from training staff and player feedback.

Ohtani has not addressed the media since early July and declined recent interview requests. His left knee has delayed his pitching return, with the throwing program paused twice due to swelling. A new right biceps issue emerged, causing discomfort from his biceps to his neck, and affecting his ability to shake out his arm.

“It’s an ebb-and-flow situation,” said general manager Brandon Gomes about Ohtani’s biceps issues which have occurred multiple times this season. Rest is crucial in the recovery process, especially in August and September.

Gomes noted, “Shohei’s case is unique, and comparisons to others don’t apply. We treat his case individually.”

Ohtani’s biceps and knee injuries have persisted throughout the season, yet he hasn’t missed consecutive games, nor been placed on the IL. Gomes iterated, “Deciding Ohtani’s lineup absence for days isn’t preferable and hasn’t been considered.”

Gomes disagreed with linking Ohtani’s offensive struggles to his physical state, despite their correlation. “Seasonal performance ups and downs are hard to attribute,” he said. Ohtani’s greatness raises expectations, and slight struggles garner immediate concern, but they haven’t deemed anything alarming.

If the Dodgers avoid sidelining Ohtani, giving him rest days might be a viable strategy. Roberts will decide after consulting Ohtani and the medical team. The decision on Ohtani’s pitching role this season remains undecided. “Any further developments will factor in,” Roberts said.

Gomes added, “Ultimately, the goal is preserving Ohtani’s offensive contributions without feeling pressured.” Ohtani restarted his throwing practice on August 8 and, in the following 23 games, recorded a .704 OPS during his toughest month offensively.

Left-hander Tarik Skubal joined the team during the trade deadline, alleviating Ohtani’s pitching pressure. “This opportunity brought another quality starter,” Roberts stated. “Shohei’s current situation and pitcher Roki Sasaki’s recovery from a blister injury on the IL makes Skubal’s contribution valuable.”