As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for a crucial three-game series against the Washington Nationals, the status of star player Shohei Ohtani remains uncertain. Ohtani, who has been a key contributor to the Dodgers' success this season, was absent from the starting lineup during Thursday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, a decision that was felt throughout the contest.
In the previous game on Wednesday, Ohtani struggled significantly, going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in an 8-6 extra-inning loss to the Cardinals. In light of this performance, the Dodgers opted to give him a night off, hoping to allow him some time to reset. Despite Ohtani's absence, the Dodgers managed to pull off a dramatic 3-2 walk-off victory thanks to a late rally in the ninth inning.
Looking ahead, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has indicated that while a move to the injured list for Ohtani is unlikely, the team will continue to monitor his health closely as they approach the final stretch of the regular season, which consists of 22 games. "Right now, I would consider it unlikely," Roberts stated regarding Ohtani's potential return. "Unlikely, but not impossible." He emphasized the importance of navigating the next few weeks carefully, expressing confidence that Ohtani would return to form when he is back on the field.
In Ohtani's absence, Teoscar Hernández stepped up to deliver a clutch performance, hitting a two-run double to secure the win against the Cardinals. Hernández's efforts capped off a strong series, where he went 6-for-13 with two doubles and two RBIs. Reflecting on his approach during the game, Hernández noted, "First, I was just trying to be more patient. He was a little wild in that inning. Just trying to get focused on the middle of the plate and get a good pitch to hit." He also acknowledged the team's struggles at the plate, stating, "We know we’re not playing the best baseball that we know we can play... we’re going to battle, fight every at-bat and just try to win every game."
On the mound, Tarik Skubal of the Dodgers faced a challenging outing against the Cardinals, allowing ten hits but managing to limit the damage to just two runs over 5 2/3 innings. He walked one batter and struck out six, ultimately receiving a no-decision. Following the game, Skubal discussed his performance, noting that while he faced some early challenges with his changeup, he felt confident in his approach. "At the end of the day, they were all singles, so it’s not like I needed to change my approach," he explained.
As the Dodgers prepare to face the Nationals, the focus will undoubtedly be on Ohtani's health and readiness to return. His unique skill set as a two-way player makes him an invaluable asset to the team, and his presence in the lineup could prove crucial as the Dodgers aim to solidify their position in the playoff race.
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