Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided a major update on Shohei Ohtani’s status for Friday’s series opener against the San Diego Padres.
Roberts said Ohtani, who was hit by a comebacker in Wednesday’s game that ultimately forced him to exit early, will be back in the lineup on Friday.
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“Shohei’s fine,” Roberts said after Thursday’s win over the Colorado Rockies. “He’ll be in there tomorrow.”
There was immediate concern when Ohtani was struck by a 93.7 mph line drive in Wednesday’s loss to the Rockies. Ohtani was able to stay in the game as a pitcher, and took his next plate appearance as a designated hitter the following inning.
However, when his spot came back up in the lineup in the eighth, he was replaced by Alex Call.
Fortunately, the Dodgers were able to win without Ohtani on Thursday, and now will get a well-rested version of him back for Friday’s series opener against the Padres.
The Dodgers enter the matchup one game ahead of the Padres in the National League West. These three games could prove crucial in who ultimately wins the division crown when it’s all said and done.
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Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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