Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced Tuesday that Shohei Ohtani would remain out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive day, continuing a cautious approach to managing the star player’s lingering injuries.
Roberts stated Ohtani would be available to pinch-hit in a high-leverage situation during Tuesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, marking the fifth time in six games that Ohtani has been held from the starting lineup. The decision follows Ohtani’s return on Monday, when he went 0-for-3 with a walk after missing four straight games due to right biceps, left knee, and neck issues.
Ohtani’s status for the remainder of the season remains uncertain. He acknowledged Monday that he does not expect to feel “100% physically” for the rest of the year, though he emphasized a desire to contribute to the team’s playoff push. Manager Roberts reiterated that the Dodgers would take a proactive approach to Ohtani’s schedule, potentially scheduling additional rest days before the postseason.
Ohtani’s recent performance and workload
Ohtani’s offensive output has declined significantly in recent weeks. Since August 19, he is 6-for-49 with 21 strikeouts and has not driven in a run over that span. The Dodgers have won five straight games, including sweeps of the Washington Nationals and St. Louis Cardinals, but Ohtani’s health remains a primary concern as the team eyes a third consecutive National League West title.
Roberts confirmed that Ohtani will not pitch again this season, a move intended to aid his recovery. The Dodgers currently have four aces—Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow—ahead of the postseason, reducing the need for Ohtani’s pitching services.
Lineup adjustments and team outlook
With Ohtani sidelined, Freddie Freeman shifted to designated hitter, while Tommy Edman assumed the leadoff spot. Roberts did not rule out further proactive rest days for Ohtani, stating, “It’s about, ‘What can we do to get him to be optimal?’”
The Dodgers are on track to clinch the division within the next week, which would extend their streak of postseason appearances to 14 consecutive years. However, the team faces a critical balance between keeping Ohtani healthy and ensuring he remains sharp for the playoffs. Roberts suggested that a postseason bye could be beneficial for Ohtani’s recovery, though no decision has been made.
Ohtani himself emphasized a focus on incremental progress, stating, “As long as I’m playing in games, it’s not exactly the best way to recover and heal. Of course the best mode of recovery is to completely not play. But right now I just want to make sure that I’m playing, playing well and just focusing on the now.”