Image Source: ESPN
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is weighing a significant change for Shohei Ohtani after the four-time MVP delivered an uncharacteristically difficult performance Wednesday night. Ohtani went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in Los Angeles’ 8-6, 10-inning loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, prompting Roberts to say the two-way superstar is “not close to optimal.”
Dodgers Face Critical Questions About Ohtani’s Health
Roberts said he plans to speak with Ohtani and the team’s training staff Thursday to determine where the star stands physically. The manager is also considering whether Ohtani should receive a day off, although he said he does not believe an injured-list stint is necessary at this stage.
“I saw the same thing that everyone saw,” Roberts said after the loss, according to the Associated Press. “You could see the swing wasn’t the swing that we’re used to seeing. He’s not close to optimal.”
The comments marked a notable shift from earlier Wednesday, when Roberts said he had no indication that Ohtani was physically ailing. After the game, however, he acknowledged that he had seen signs over the past couple of weeks that Ohtani “hasn’t been who he is.”
Lingering Knee and Biceps Issues Raise Concern
Ohtani has been dealing with pain in his left knee and right biceps, issues that could be affecting both his swing and his pitching preparation. He is currently hitting .279 and has not spoken with the media in two weeks.
His four-strikeout performance was especially unusual because it marked the first time this season he had struck out in four consecutive at-bats. For a player whose offensive production has been central to the Dodgers’ lineup, the slump has added urgency to the club’s evaluation.
- Ohtani went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts against St. Louis.
- Roberts said the slugger is not performing at his normal physical level.
- The Dodgers are considering whether he needs a day off.
- Ohtani’s left knee and right biceps remain health concerns.
Ohtani’s Pitching Return Remains Uncertain
The Dodgers are also unsure whether Ohtani will pitch again this season. He has not appeared on the mound since July 3 because of the ongoing issues. Before being sidelined, he had posted an impressive 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA across 14 starts.
Ohtani threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Friday but was scratched from a potential start in Detroit two days later. Roberts said he will not know the next step in the pitcher’s progression until Ohtani completes another bullpen session.
When asked whether Ohtani might not pitch again this season, Roberts responded that it is “an option.” That uncertainty is significant for a Dodgers club navigating the late-season schedule and preparing for a postseason run.
Could Ohtani Return in Another Role?
For now, moving Ohtani to an outfield corner is not under consideration. He has not played the outfield in the major leagues since 2021, when he appeared in seven games for the Los Angeles Angels.
A relief appearance is a more realistic possibility if Ohtani is not physically ready to make a full start. However, any pitching role would need to be carefully managed because the Dodgers must balance his recovery with their competitive goals.
There are also strategic complications involving the designated hitter position. If Ohtani begins a game as the designated hitter and later moves to the mound, the Dodgers would lose their DH for the remainder of the contest under the so-called Ohtani Rule. If he moves from the mound to the outfield, he could remain in the lineup.
What This Means for the Dodgers
Roberts emphasized that there is still enough time left in the season to make the right decision and help Ohtani reach a better physical position. That measured approach suggests the Dodgers are focused on the bigger picture rather than forcing an immediate return.
Still, Ohtani’s availability could influence the team’s lineup, pitching plans and postseason expectations. His value is unique: he can anchor the offense as a designated hitter and potentially provide impact innings on the mound. Any limitation affects more than one area of the roster.
For now, the Dodgers will monitor Ohtani closely, evaluate his next bullpen session and determine whether rest is needed. His health, not just his statistics, will remain one of the most important storylines surrounding Los Angeles as the season moves forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Shohei Ohtani miss the Dodgers’ lineup concerns?
Ohtani’s 0-for-4 performance with four strikeouts led Dave Roberts to say the star looked physically compromised. Roberts is considering whether Ohtani needs a day off.
What injuries are affecting Ohtani?
Ohtani has been dealing with lingering pain in his left knee and right biceps, which may be affecting his offense and pitching progression.
When did Ohtani last pitch?
Ohtani last pitched on July 3. He had been 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts before being shut down.
Will Ohtani pitch again this season?
The Dodgers have not made a final decision. Roberts said it remains possible that Ohtani will not pitch again this season.
Could Ohtani play the outfield?
Roberts said an outfield role is not currently being considered. Ohtani has not played the outfield in the major leagues since 2021.
