Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke about the status of superstar Shohei Ohtani, who is currently enjoying a break at home before the start of the post-All-Star break run.
Ohtani had fluid drained from his left knee on Sunday afternoon, following a game in which he hit a home run in a losing effort against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
He went 2-for-4 at the plate on Sunday, which included a double as well. His hitting has not been affected by his knee injury, but rather, his pitching is the main point of contention.
His left leg is the landing leg in his pitch delivery, meaning he will end up landing on it over 100 times per pitching start, not even including all of the bullpen sessions and warm-up routines.
Rather than make his last scheduled start on Friday before the All-Star game, Ohtani opted to just hit in the lineup and not pitch until after the break.
Additionally, the team announced that he would not be going to Philadelphia for the ASG but would instead be resting at home after his knee procedure.
Naturally, following the work he got done on Sunday, the question is how soon he will return to the mound and the lineup.
Manager Dave Roberts, who is in Philadelphia to coach the National League in the midsummer classic, made it clear that Ohtani will hit.
“He’s going to be in the lineup,” Roberts said.
As far as his pitching status for the series, Roberts played his cards close to the vest.
“We haven’t decided that yet,” Roberts said.
Roberts clarified that Ohtani ultimately opted not to receive a pain injection, despite the skipper initially saying that he would.
What is the plan going forward with Ohtani?
Considering that Ohtani would have pitched Friday if it were a playoff game, he opted against the injection and is getting all this rest; he should be ready for his next turn in the rotation, whether it is against the Yankees or the Phillies on this road trip.
However, if additional management comes up, expect the Dodgers to be very careful.
“I think we all know with where we’re at, who he is as a player, if there’s opportunities to be extra cautious and mindful, it’s just prudent,” Roberts said.
