Los Angeles Dodgers rest Shohei Ohtani amid lingering knee injury
Shohei Ohtani was left out of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup on Thursday as a precautionary measure for a lingering left knee injury.
Manager Dave Roberts stated the decision was made to prevent the soreness from escalating into a more severe issue.
The 32-year-old is expected to make a swift return to action on Friday.
Pitching problems persist
The Japanese superstar’s left knee has already prevented him from taking the mound for nearly a month.
Dodgers officials previously maintained that the joint, located on his landing leg, only troubled him during pitching duties.
However, this recent flare-up while acting strictly as a position player raises potential concerns for the franchise.
Roberts noted that the current irritation stems from the designated hitter being on base seven times over the previous two nights.
“I appreciate the communication. I can’t read minds, the training staff can’t read minds, so just for him to communicate that allows for us to make a decision.”
Dave Roberts
Long road to recovery
The two-way phenom last pitched on 3 July, exiting a 110-pitch performance after tweaking his right biceps on a swing.
Shortly before the All-Star break, he received a lubricating injection in the troublesome left knee in an attempt to alleviate the persistent pain.
An attempt to throw a bullpen session in Philadelphia on 22 July further aggravated both the knee and his earlier biceps issue.
Despite these setbacks, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman remains confident the star will pitch again this season.
Managing the pain
Medical experts have informed the two-time MVP that complete healing will require a full offseason of rest.
Consequently, the Los Angeles outfit is currently focused on pain management rather than a permanent mid-season cure.
The organisation is strongly resisting the temptation to place their prized asset on the injured list.
“It’s gotten better over the last few weeks markedly. To essentially take it out of his hands, shut him down, the player — you trust him.”
Dave Roberts