The Los Angeles Dodgers benched superstar Shohei Ohtani for Thursday’s series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals, citing lingering discomfort in his right biceps and left knee as the primary reason for the decision.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani’s availability as a “day-to-day” situation, noting that the two-time MVP had shown visible signs of discomfort during Wednesday’s loss to the Cardinals. Roberts described Ohtani’s right biceps as “not firing the way he wanted it to,” leading to grimacing and shaking of the arm during the game. Ohtani, who was held out of the lineup, responded to the decision with a salute emoji in a text message to Roberts.
Health concerns drive Ohtani’s absence
Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 due to soreness in his knee and biceps, though he attempted to return to the mound last Friday with a bullpen session. However, he did not feel “100%” and did not pitch in Sunday’s game against the Detroit Tigers. His throwing progression has since stalled, raising questions about his ability to return to the mound this season.
At the plate, Ohtani has struggled in recent weeks, going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in Wednesday’s loss. His slump has extended to a 2-for-23 skid over his last six games, contributing to a .241 batting average in August. Despite these challenges, Ohtani remains the Dodgers’ best hitter, posting a .906 OPS with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs on the season—all team highs.
Manager cites player safety in decision
Roberts emphasized that Ohtani’s health is the top priority, stating that the team would not risk further injury by rushing him back. He acknowledged the star’s desire to play, saying, “Great players always feel their X percentage is better than the next person and they want to be available.” However, Roberts added that the Dodgers must weigh the potential harm to Ohtani and the team against his eagerness to contribute.
Ohtani has not spoken to reporters since August 17, declining requests for comment during the team’s recent road trip. His absence comes as the Dodgers, who have posted a 13-15 record since August 1, navigate a stretch of nine games without a break. The team’s form has declined in recent weeks, adding pressure to Ohtani’s return.
Long-term implications for Dodgers’ playoff push
The uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s health raises questions about the Dodgers’ late-season rotation plans and offensive lineup. Without knowing whether he will pitch again this season, the team faces challenges in finalizing its pitching rotation. Additionally, Ohtani’s slump at the plate has diminished the Dodgers’ offensive firepower, which relies heavily on his production.
Roberts described the situation as a “trusting the player versus taking it out of their hands” dynamic, noting that the Dodgers have experience managing similar decisions with veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw. The team continues to gather information from its training staff and Ohtani himself to determine his next steps.
As the Dodgers prepare for the postseason, Ohtani’s availability remains a critical factor in their championship aspirations. The team’s medical staff and coaching personnel will monitor his progress closely in the coming days.