Los Angeles Dodgers rest Shohei Ohtani after right biceps tightness

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani will sit out Saturday’s game against the San Diego Padres after exiting Friday’s 4-3 home victory with right biceps tightness.

The two-way standout experienced the discomfort while swinging the bat during the sixth inning of the divisional clash.

He had already thrown a season-high 110 pitches on the mound, recording nine strikeouts and allowing three runs over six innings.

Teoscar Hernandez later secured the comeback win for Los Angeles with a decisive seventh-inning grand slam, handing San Diego their seventh consecutive defeat.

Precautionary measure for dual-threat athlete

Manager Dave Roberts opted to use Miguel Rojas as a pinch-hitter for the Japanese international in the seventh inning to prevent further aggravation.

Speaking through an interpreter, the former MVP revealed he had successfully managed a similar biceps issue earlier in the campaign.

“It went away relatively quickly, so I expect that to happen again.”

Shohei Ohtani

Roberts echoed this optimism, noting the player’s history of quick recoveries while emphasising the immense physical demands placed upon a two-way player.

All-Star break schedule under review

Los Angeles had previously adjusted their starting rotation to align the phenom against divisional rivals before the mid-season All-Star break.

This adjustment already made it highly unlikely that Ohtani would pitch in the upcoming exhibition showcase due to the resulting short rest period.

Following Friday’s flare-up, the Dodgers hierarchy is now actively considering skipping his next scheduled start altogether to provide extra recovery time.

“Obviously we’re not going to make that decision right now, but anything should be on the table, certainly.”

Dave Roberts

The superstar was also seen applying an ice pack to his left knee following the game, though management confirmed this was merely routine maintenance.