Dodgers prioritise Ohtani’s health at the plate as injury concerns mount
Manager Dave Roberts has acknowledged that Shohei Ohtani’s persistent knee and bicep issues are compromising his offensive output, prompting a strategic pause in his pitching progression.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has officially conceded that Shohei Ohtani’s ongoing physical ailments are diminishing his effectiveness at the plate. The admission follows a 0-for-4 performance against the St. Louis Cardinals, during which Ohtani displayed visible signs of discomfort. Roberts indicated that the team is now prioritising the star’s recovery as a hitter over his return to the mound.
The decision reflects a broader institutional shift in how the Dodgers manage their ace. Ohtani has not pitched in a game since July 3 due to left knee irritation and right biceps issues. Although he had been ramping up his workload, soreness felt during a bullpen session last week tabled his planned return to the rotation, pausing his progression once again.
Since completing his first bullpen session on August 14, Ohtani’s offensive metrics have slipped. Over the last 17 games, he is hitting .194 with a .719 OPS. This slump coincides with his longest home run drought as a Dodger, which reached 12 games during the recent loss to St. Louis.
Roberts suggested that if Ohtani is not fully healthy, there is a "bleed-in" to his offensive performance. While noting that the final decision rests with Ohtani, Roberts stated, "Clearly, the swings aren’t who he is." This assessment marks a departure from previous claims that the pitching-related injuries were not affecting his batting.
The Dodgers’ current standing underscores the urgency of the situation. The team is 26-27 since the start of July, ranking 21st in OPS, 24th in slugging, and 26th in home runs over that period. With a healthy starting rotation featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow, the immediate need for Ohtani to pitch has diminished.
Ohtani’s left knee required an injection at the All-Star break, yet he has not been placed on the injured list since joining the Dodgers before the 2024 season. As the team navigates this stretch, the focus remains on restoring the four-time MVP’s offensive form before further physical strain takes hold.
