Another day, another game with Shohei Ohtani out of the Dodgers’ lineup.
Just like on Thursday, Ohtani was out of the team’s batting order on Friday as he continues to manage knee and biceps injuries.
As of Thursday, both Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and general manager Brandon Gomes insisted an injured list stint for the two-way star was unlikely. It was not immediately clear if that expectation had changed.
While Ohtani has battled both of his injuries for most of this season –– and has not pitched in a game since early July –– his health status came under renewed scrutiny earlier this week amid a 6-for-46 slump at the plate; and, more alarmingly, after a four-strikeout performance on Wednesday in which he appeared to be visibly pained while swinging.
Concerns levels regarding the 32-year-old’s physical state vary between different members of the organization.
Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani hasn’t looked like himself for the last couple weeks –– even offensively, where his injuries were once not believed to be impacting his play –– and that some time off might benefit the four-time MVP.
Gomes, on the other hand, downplayed how much Ohtani’s ailments have affected his performance, saying that Thursday’s off day was in response to the clear discomfort he displayed on Wednesday, and that the team was still even hopeful of having him return to the mound this year.
Now, however, questions will keep growing.
For the first time all season, Ohtani is out of the lineup for back-to-back games.
