Dodgers clarify Ohtani knee treatment as star returns to lineup
Los Angeles Dodgers prioritise postseason health over regular-season mound time as Shohei Ohtani resumes designated hitter duties ahead of Wednesday start against Philadelphia.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has clarified the nature of Shohei Ohtani’s recent medical intervention, confirming the star player received a lubricant injection in his left knee rather than the drainage procedure initially reported. The update comes as Ohtani returns to the lineup as designated hitter for the second half of the 2026 Major League Baseball season, following a period of absence that saw him miss the 2026 All-Star Game due to continued irritation in the joint.
Roberts addressed the media on Friday, correcting earlier accounts that suggested Ohtani had undergone a drainage process followed by an injection. According to reports from The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, the treatment was strictly limited to the lubricant injection. Ohtani, who bats leadoff in his usual DH role, is set to face the New York Yankees on Friday, marking his first appearance since the mid-season break.
The Dodgers have explicitly stated that their primary objective is safeguarding Ohtani’s health for the upcoming postseason, even if this strategy necessitates limiting his pitching appearances during the remainder of the regular season. Roberts indicated that Ohtani is not expected to return to the mound immediately, with the next scheduled pitching appearance set for Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Statistically, Ohtani has delivered a career-best performance as a pitcher this season, recording a 1.79 earned run average across 14 starts. If he accumulates sufficient innings to qualify for the official title, his ERA would rank second in MLB, trailing only Jacob Misiorowski. This consistent performance reinforces his status as the overwhelming favourite to secure his fifth MVP award in six seasons.
The team’s cautious approach to Ohtani’s workload reflects a broader institutional focus on long-term viability over short-term regular-season metrics. By managing his recovery carefully, the Dodgers aim to ensure the two-way star is optimally prepared for the demands of the postseason, balancing immediate competitive needs with the preservation of his physical condition.
