LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar, was sidelined for the second consecutive game on Friday as he continues to grapple with multiple injuries affecting his performance. The star player is dealing with issues related to his right biceps, neck, and left knee, which have persisted without significant improvement in recent weeks.
Despite his absence from the lineup, Ohtani was seen in good spirits, smiling and laughing in the dugout during Thursday's game. He joined his teammates on the field to celebrate a thrilling walk-off 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, a win that helped the Dodgers avoid a series sweep. Manager Dave Roberts noted Ohtani's upbeat demeanor, stating, "He was pretty jovial yesterday, which was a good sign, more kind of upbeat than I’ve seen him in months." This positive attitude is a hopeful sign for fans and teammates alike as the team prepares for a three-game series against the Washington Nationals.
Roberts has been cautious about discussing Ohtani's potential placement on the injured list, expressing a sense of hope but not full confidence regarding the star's recovery. "Hopeful," Roberts said, adding, "but I wouldn’t say confident.” The injuries have not only delayed Ohtani's return to pitching but have also begun to impact his hitting performance. Currently, he boasts a batting average of .279, with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs this season, numbers that reflect his exceptional talent but also hint at the struggles he faces on the field.
While Ohtani has not publicly acknowledged the extent to which his injuries have affected his play, Roberts indicated that the performance seen in recent games is not reflective of Ohtani's true capabilities. "What we saw a couple nights ago wasn’t him, so clearly he was not feeling well," Roberts remarked. This statement underscores the concern surrounding Ohtani's health as the Dodgers aim to maintain their competitive edge in the National League.
Despite the challenges, Ohtani has been described as “very agreeable” with the team’s cautious approach to his health. Roberts emphasized that Ohtani is eager to play and contribute but understands that the decisions made regarding his playing time are in the best interest of both his health and the team's success. "He wants to be out there, wants to play, but he’s understanding that whatever decision we make is the best interest for him and the team," Roberts stated.
Interestingly, Ohtani has not addressed the media in nearly three weeks, which adds to the intrigue surrounding his condition. In his absence, center fielder Tommy Edman has stepped into the leadoff spot, while Alex Call has taken on the designated hitter role, batting seventh. Edman had a standout performance on Thursday, going 4 for 5 with two runs scored, showcasing the depth of the Dodgers' roster as they navigate this challenging period.
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