The Los Angeles Dodgers are dealing with more than another frustrating loss. Shohei Ohtani’s physical condition has become a growing concern, and manager Dave Roberts is now questioning whether keeping his superstar in the lineup is actually helping the team.
After another painful defeat against the St. Louis Cardinals, Roberts admitted that Ohtani did not look comfortable at the plate. The Dodgers manager noticed the two-way star shaking his arm and showing visible discomfort, raising the possibility that Ohtani may need a break.
For a team chasing another World Series title, that is not exactly the kind of plot twist anyone wanted.
Table of Contents
Dave Roberts Admits Ohtani May Need a Break
Roberts has always respected Ohtani’s desire to play. The superstar rarely wants to sit, even when his body is sending a few warning messages.
But the Dodgers manager suggested there is a point where playing through pain stops being helpful.
“He definitely doesn’t want to take the day. I think I know he feels that he needs to post and be in the lineup,” Roberts said, per SportsNet LA on X. “And if he’s upright, he should play. I respect that. But if he’s, you know, feeling the way that visibly looks, then really not helping anyone.”
Roberts plans to talk directly with Ohtani before involving the Dodgers’ training staff. The goal is simple: understand exactly how the player is feeling before deciding whether he should remain in the lineup.
That conversation could become important as Los Angeles tries to manage Ohtani’s workload heading into the postseason.
Dodgers Blow Another Lead Against Cardinals
The Dodgers dropped consecutive home games to St. Louis, losing Tuesday’s matchup 13-8 before falling 8-6 in the following game.
Wednesday initially looked like it would be a completely different story.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto kept the Cardinals’ offense under control, while Freddie Freeman finally ended a lengthy home-run drought with a three-run shot in the first inning. Mookie Betts then added another homer in the sixth.
Los Angeles appeared to have the game under control.
Then everything unraveled.
The Cardinals erased the Dodgers’ advantage and forced extra innings. In the 10th, Brock Stewart surrendered three consecutive hits to Nathan Church, Thomas Saggese and Joshua Báez, allowing St. Louis to take an 8-5 lead.
The Dodgers managed to score once in the bottom half when Tommy Edman grounded out and brought Will Smith home.
But that was it.
Ohtani struck out, while Betts lined out to center to finish the game. For Dodgers fans, the 10th inning probably felt like one of those movies where you already know the ending but still hope the script changes.
Ohtani’s Injury Concerns Are Becoming Harder to Ignore
The biggest concern, however, was not simply the final score.
Ohtani has shown signs of discomfort throughout the series.
During the opener, he made a hard slide back toward third base after receiving a late stop signal from third-base coach Dino Ebel. Ohtani stayed down for a while and appeared to be dealing with discomfort in his knee.
Later in the game, he was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning.
The impact caused him to drop the bat, and the 32-year-old appeared to be in obvious pain. Roberts initially indicated that Ohtani was capable of continuing.
But his performance in the next game suggested that he may not have been operating at full strength.
Ohtani walked, scored a run and stole a base early. After that, however, things went downhill at the plate as he struck out four times.
Roberts also acknowledged that Ohtani’s swing appeared compromised.
Ohtani’s Bat Is Crucial as Dodgers Manage His Pitching
Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 because of knee inflammation, although the Dodgers have continued to benefit from his offensive production.
The situation is becoming more complicated now.
Roberts has already acknowledged that shutting Ohtani down from pitching remains an option. But if his hitting is also affected by his physical condition, Los Angeles faces a much bigger decision.
The Dodgers do not simply need Ohtani in the lineup. They need healthy Shohei Ohtani, especially with the postseason approaching.
His ability to impact games as both a hitter and pitcher is one of the biggest advantages Los Angeles has. But trying to squeeze every available at-bat out of him while he is clearly uncomfortable could create a bigger problem later.
Dodgers’ Playoff Position Adds More Pressure
The Dodgers have also slipped to the third-best position in the National League wild-card standings.
That could mean an additional postseason series, increasing the importance of having their biggest stars available and healthy.
Los Angeles has championship ambitions and is chasing a potential three-peat. But before October arrives, the organization must figure out how to balance Ohtani’s competitiveness with his long-term health.
Shohei Ohtani’s willingness to play through discomfort is hardly surprising. That mentality is part of what makes him one of baseball’s most remarkable stars.
Still, Dave Roberts now appears concerned that simply putting Ohtani on the field may not be enough.
If the superstar is struggling physically, the Dodgers may need to consider giving him time to recover rather than asking him to push through another difficult stretch.
With the postseason getting closer, Los Angeles has one major question to answer: Is keeping Ohtani in the lineup today worth risking a less-than-healthy Ohtani tomorrow?
FAQ:
Is Shohei Ohtani injured?
Shohei Ohtani has been dealing with physical issues, including knee inflammation, and has shown visible discomfort during the Dodgers’ series against the Cardinals.
Why is Dave Roberts concerned about Shohei Ohtani?
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noticed Ohtani appearing uncomfortable and said that if the star is visibly struggling, keeping him in the lineup may not be helping the team.
Will the Dodgers rest Shohei Ohtani?
Roberts indicated that he plans to speak with Ohtani and the Dodgers’ training staff before making a decision about his availability.
When did Shohei Ohtani last pitch?
Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 because of knee inflammation. The Dodgers have continued using him primarily as a hitter.
Why is Shohei Ohtani struggling at the plate?
Ohtani’s recent struggles may be connected to his physical discomfort. He recorded four strikeouts in the latest game against the Cardinals, while Roberts said his swing did not look normal.
Could Shohei Ohtani miss games because of his injury?
It is possible. The Dodgers could decide to give Ohtani additional rest if they believe his physical condition is affecting his performance or creating a greater injury risk.
How important is Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers?
Ohtani is one of the Dodgers’ most important players because of his ability to contribute as both a hitter and pitcher. His health could be especially important during the postseason.
Could Ohtani’s injury affect the Dodgers’ playoff hopes?
Yes. If Ohtani is limited or unavailable during the postseason, the Dodgers would lose one of their biggest offensive weapons and potentially their two-way impact.
Are the Dodgers still chasing a three-peat?
Yes. Los Angeles remains focused on another championship, but its playoff position and Ohtani’s health could play major roles in determining how difficult that path becomes.
Should the Dodgers shut down Shohei Ohtani?
That decision ultimately depends on Ohtani’s physical condition and the Dodgers’ medical evaluation. Protecting his long-term health could be more valuable than pushing him through short-term discomfort.
Also Read: Is George Lombard Jr.’s Yankees Injury Less Serious Than Feared?
👉 If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest sports news.