LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Shohei Ohtani as the two-way superstar battles lingering injuries and the postseason draws closer.
Ohtani was held out of the Dodgers’ lineup after returning from a four-day absence, with manager Dave Roberts saying the team wants to gradually build him back up rather than risk worsening his condition.
The Japanese superstar has been dealing with persistent soreness in his left knee and right biceps, and the Dodgers have decided to prioritize his health for the stretch run.
Ohtani’s Pitching Season Appears Over
The biggest development is that Ohtani is not expected to return to the mound this season.
Roberts said the focus is now on getting Ohtani healthy enough to contribute as a hitter, with the Dodgers managing his workload carefully ahead of the playoffs.
Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 because of the knee and biceps issues, and his throwing program has also been affected by the injuries.
Dodgers Want Ohtani Close to 100% for the Playoffs
Roberts said the team’s priority is not simply getting Ohtani back into the lineup as quickly as possible.
Instead, the Dodgers are looking at the bigger picture.
With the postseason approaching, Los Angeles is prepared to give Ohtani additional rest days during the final weeks of the regular season to help him recover and regain his form.
The Dodgers’ goal is to have one of baseball’s biggest stars as healthy as possible when the games matter most.
Ohtani Returned — Then Got Another Day Off
Ohtani returned to the lineup against the Cincinnati Reds after missing four games and went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk.
Although he came through the game without an immediate setback, Roberts and the Dodgers’ training staff decided another day of rest was the better option.
Roberts said Ohtani had shown signs of improvement, particularly with his timing at the plate, but emphasized that the team is taking a long-term approach.
The Dodgers were also willing to keep him available as a pinch hitter if needed.
Injuries Have Taken a Toll on Ohtani’s Form
The injuries have come during a difficult stretch for Ohtani at the plate.
Recent reports said his performance had declined while he dealt with the physical demands of attempting to remain a two-way player.
The Dodgers are now facing a delicate balancing act: getting Ohtani enough playing time to regain his rhythm while ensuring he does not push his body too far before the postseason.
Roberts acknowledged that managing Ohtani’s workload has become a major lesson for the organization.
As extraordinary as Ohtani’s ability may be, the Dodgers are being reminded that even baseball’s most unique player has physical limits.
Dodgers Keep Winning Without Their Superstar
The good news for Los Angeles is that the team has continued winning even while Ohtani has spent more time on the bench.
The Dodgers extended their winning streak while managing his absence, giving Roberts more flexibility to prioritize recovery rather than rushing the superstar back.
That breathing room could prove critical as Los Angeles prepares for the final stretch of the regular season and another postseason push.
The Bottom Line
Shohei Ohtani’s injuries have forced the Dodgers to hit the brakes.
The superstar is dealing with lingering soreness in his left knee and right biceps, and Los Angeles is now managing his schedule carefully as the playoffs approach.
His pitching season appears to be over, while the Dodgers focus on getting him healthy enough to make an impact with the bat.
For the Dodgers, the priority is no longer getting Ohtani back as quickly as possible — it is making sure baseball’s biggest two-way star is ready when the postseason begins.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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