Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani will be absent from the lineup for the second consecutive night as the team prepares to face the Washington Nationals. The two-way player is dealing with inflammation in his right bicep and soreness in his neck, marking a significant moment in a season where he has been a key contributor for the Dodgers.
This is the first time this season that Ohtani has missed back-to-back games, a development that has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts previously described Ohtani's absence during Thursday's thrilling 3-2 walk-off victory over the St. Louis Cardinals as a necessary “spa day.” This break follows a challenging performance where Ohtani went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in a loss against the Cardinals on Wednesday.
Roberts emphasized the mental toll that physical ailments can take on players, stating, "A lot of players, when they’re not feeling well physically, it adds to the toll mentally and emotionally. So I think that Shohei is just kind of like that, like most players." This insight highlights the delicate balance athletes must maintain between physical health and mental readiness, especially in high-stakes situations.
In Ohtani's absence, Tommy Edman will take the leadoff spot for the Dodgers, with Alex Call stepping into the designated hitter role. The Dodgers are looking to maintain their competitive edge as they navigate the latter part of the season, and Ohtani's health is crucial to their success.
Roberts mentioned that ongoing discussions are taking place with Ohtani and the team’s training staff to determine how many days he might need to recover before returning to his MVP-caliber form. While the idea of placing Ohtani on the injured list has been floated, it remains an unlikely option at this point. General manager Brandon Gomes noted that the downside of having Ohtani unavailable for an extended period may outweigh the benefits of a brief reset.
Roberts provided further clarification on the situation, stating, "The short answer is no. It’s not good to have that version of him. I’m sure what Brandon was saying is that in five or six or seven days, would the old version -- the normal version, the regular version -- of Shohei be there? We don’t know that answer, but just to kick the can is an option." This nuanced approach reflects the complexities of managing a player of Ohtani's caliber, especially as the postseason approaches.
Ohtani's recent performance has been concerning, as he has recorded just two hits in his last 23 at-bats, accompanied by 11 strikeouts since August 27. His struggles at the plate come at a critical juncture in the season, and the Dodgers will be hoping for a swift recovery.
On the pitching front, Ohtani's return to the mound also appears to be delayed. Initially scheduled to make his first start since July 3 last Sunday in Detroit, he was scratched after a 20-pitch bullpen session. According to Roberts, Ohtani has not thrown plyometric balls for several days, which could hinder his throwing progression.
The uncertainty surrounding Ohtani's ability to pitch this season has led to speculation. When asked about the possibility that he may not take the mound again this year, Roberts acknowledged, "It’s an option." As the Dodgers continue their campaign, the health and performance of their star player remain a focal point for the team and its supporters.
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