The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently facing a challenging decision regarding the status of star player Shohei Ohtani, who missed his third consecutive game on Saturday, September 5, against the Washington Nationals. Ohtani, who has been a key contributor for the Dodgers this season, has not been in the starting lineup as a designated hitter due to discomfort in his biceps and neck.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism that Ohtani might avoid a stint on the injured list (IL), but the team is taking a cautious, day-to-day approach with the two-way star. Ohtani had been a reliable presence in the lineup prior to this recent absence, having not missed a game since July 30.
His latest absence came after he experienced discomfort during the Dodgers' 8-6 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on September 2. In that game, Ohtani went 0-for-4 at the plate but did manage to walk and score a run. This performance was a stark contrast to his usual impact, raising concerns about his health and readiness to contribute.
Ohtani was also working towards making his first pitching start since July 3, when he was sidelined due to knee inflammation and biceps discomfort. He had participated in a short bullpen session on August 28, but it was insufficient for him to take the mound in a game. The Dodgers are now weighing the implications of placing him on the IL, as they navigate his recovery process.
One reason for the Dodgers' hesitation to place Ohtani on the injured list could be related to Major League Baseball (MLB) rules concerning two-way players. If Ohtani were to be placed on the IL, he would be subject to the 15-day injured list instead of the 10-day list, which is standard for most players. This means that if he is placed on the IL after missing three games, the placement can be backdated up to three days. Consequently, if the Dodgers decide to make this move, he could potentially return by September 18, but delaying the decision could limit his availability as the regular season winds down.
As the Dodgers approach the final stretch of the regular season, they have 20 games remaining, with a crucial series against the San Francisco Giants looming. The team will also face the San Diego Padres in a three-game home stand, making Ohtani's health and availability all the more critical as they prepare for the postseason.
Throughout his MLB career, Ohtani has only been placed on the injured list three times. His first significant injury occurred in 2018 while he was with the Los Angeles Angels, when he suffered a Grade 2 UCL sprain in his right elbow, leading to a 24-day stint on the IL. He continued to hit during that time, but did not pitch for the rest of the season. Ohtani began the following season on the 10-day IL as he recovered from Tommy John surgery. He also faced a right oblique strain and a torn UCL that ended his final season with the Angels in September 2023, during which he was shut down as a pitcher and missed 11 consecutive games.
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