Overview
- The Dodgers gave Ohtani a day off on Thursday after he went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts and visibly grimaced, and manager Dave Roberts called that performance “the tip of the iceberg.”
- Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 because of lingering left-knee inflammation and a recurring right-biceps problem that have stalled his throwing progression.
- Roberts said shutting Ohtani down as a pitcher is “an option” and described an injured-list stint as unlikely but not impossible while the team and trainers review his symptoms.
- With Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow healthy, the Dodgers have rotation depth that reduces the short-term need for Ohtani to return to the mound.
- The decision will prioritize Ohtani’s availability as a hitter for the postseason and will be made with input from Ohtani, the medical staff and front office because his bat is central to the Dodgers’ October outlook.