Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani continues to battle injuries that have sidelined him from competition. The two-way player has sat out multiple consecutive games due to left knee and right biceps discomfort, prompting the organization to evaluate whether a stint on the injured list is necessary. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed cautious optimism about Ohtani’s potential return, though he stopped short of guaranteeing it would happen without a formal injury placement.
Ohtani’s offensive production has declined significantly in recent weeks. After posting strong numbers earlier in his absence from the mound, his performance deteriorated dramatically during a 13-game stretch, during which he managed just a .137 batting average. A particularly concerning performance came against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday when he struck out four times and appeared visibly uncomfortable at the plate, displaying none of the explosive power that has defined his career.
The pitcher’s throwing program, which began last month to facilitate his return to the mound, encountered setbacks when knee pain resurfaced. Roberts acknowledged that if any other pitcher were experiencing similar discomfort, the team would not deploy them, applying the same standard to Ohtani. The prospect of ending his season as a pitcher grew increasingly likely as the focus shifted to his recovery as a designated hitter.
The Dodgers’ offense has struggled throughout the season, making Ohtani’s return to form critical for postseason aspirations. Management granted the slugger an extended weekend to rest and recuperate, with reassessment planned for the coming days to determine the next course of action regarding his availability.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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