Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is currently dealing with discomfort that has been affecting his right biceps and neck. Despite this, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Thursday that the team does not plan to place Ohtani on the injured list at this time.
Ohtani was absent from the Dodgers' lineup on Thursday as the team opted to give him a mental and physical rest day. Roberts described Ohtani's condition as "day to day," indicating that the team will continue to assess his health over the coming days. The decision to keep him out of the lineup was made after Ohtani reported discomfort to the training staff following Wednesday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he notably shook out his right arm during his final at-bat.
While the Dodgers have not ruled out the possibility of an extended absence for Ohtani, Roberts stated that an injured-list stint seems unlikely at this stage. "It’s a good thing to get a day off. Hopefully today helps," he remarked, highlighting the importance of allowing Ohtani time to recover.
Roberts communicated the decision to Ohtani directly via text, stating, "You’re not playing tomorrow," to which Ohtani responded with a salute emoji, indicating his acceptance of the situation. The Dodgers are remaining optimistic about Ohtani's return, with Roberts mentioning that they would check in with him later on Thursday to see if he might be available to come off the bench.
General manager Brandon Gomes echoed Roberts' cautious approach, emphasizing that there are no indications of a serious physical issue with Ohtani. "They haven’t had any indication that he’s not good enough physically to go out and play," Gomes said, suggesting that Ohtani's discomfort may be more of a precautionary concern than a significant injury. The Dodgers are keen to ensure that a minor issue does not escalate into a more serious problem.
As one of the team's most valuable players, Ohtani's presence in the lineup is crucial for the Dodgers. Gomes acknowledged that the team would prefer to avoid a lengthy absence, particularly a potential 10-day stint on the injured list. "I think not having Shohei in the lineup for 10 days or whatever would be something that we would prefer not to do," he stated, reinforcing the team's desire to keep Ohtani active as much as possible.
For now, the Dodgers are taking a measured approach, prioritizing Ohtani's health while remaining hopeful for a quick return. The next evaluation of Ohtani's condition could come as soon as Friday, as the team continues to monitor his progress and engage in open communication about his feelings and readiness to play. The Dodgers are committed to not rushing Ohtani back into action prematurely, understanding the importance of his contributions as the season progresses.
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