As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for the final game of their series against the St. Louis Cardinals, manager Dave Roberts has provided an update on the health of superstar Shohei Ohtani. The Dodgers, who have dropped the first two games of the series, are looking to avoid a sweep on Thursday night.
In the Dodgers' recent 8-6 defeat to the Cardinals, Ohtani struggled significantly, going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. This performance has raised concerns about his physical condition, as he has been battling discomfort throughout the season. Currently, Ohtani's batting average has dipped to .128 over his last ten games, a stark contrast to his overall impressive season statistics, which include 30 home runs and 80 RBIs.
Following the loss on Wednesday, Roberts noted that Ohtani appeared to be physically off, prompting the decision to give him a day off for the series finale. Center fielder Tommy Edman will lead off in Ohtani's absence, with Alex Call stepping in as the designated hitter.
Roberts described Ohtani's health status as a "day-to-day" situation, indicating that his availability for upcoming games will depend on further evaluations. He refrained from speculating on the possibility of Ohtani being placed on the injured list, although he acknowledged the ongoing concerns regarding Ohtani's biceps, neck, and knee discomfort. According to reports, Roberts considered the injured list "unlikely" for the two-way star, emphasizing that the situation revolves around whether Ohtani's symptoms improve.
This season, Ohtani has showcased his remarkable talent both as a pitcher and a hitter. He has not taken the mound since July 3 due to a persistent knee injury, yet his performance prior to that was stellar, with an 8-2 record and a 1.79 ERA over 14 starts. However, the toll of being a two-way player may be catching up with him, as indicated by his recent struggles at the plate.
Social media reactions have poured in following Roberts' update, with fans and analysts expressing concern over Ohtani's health. Some commentators have suggested that the Dodgers should consider shutting him down from pitching duties to focus on his recovery, especially with the postseason approaching. The consensus among many is that the Dodgers will need Ohtani at full strength to make a deep playoff run.
As the Dodgers aim to turn around their fortunes against the Cardinals, the status of Shohei Ohtani remains a critical factor. The team will hope for a swift recovery for their star player, who has been a cornerstone of their success this season.
Leave a Comment