Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was held out of the lineup during Thursday’s 6-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners due to ongoing left knee soreness, a development that adds complexity to managing his workload for the remainder of the season. The discomfort was first reported Wednesday night, prompting the Dodgers’ training staff to recommend a day of rest.
Ohtani had previously received an Orthovisc injection—a lubricating treatment—over the All-Star break and had been resting in hopes of preventing the knee issue from persisting. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence that Ohtani would return to the lineup Friday when Los Angeles begins a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox. However, Roberts also acknowledged the situation’s unpredictability, emphasizing the need to respond based on Ohtani’s condition day to day.
The knee concern is notable given that Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 and has abstained from mound throwing for over a week. He has maintained arm fitness through weighted plyo ball drills that avoid stressing the knee. The team previously believed Ohtani’s knee was only aggravated by pitching, which raises questions about how best to preserve his health moving forward.
Roberts noted that the soreness emerged without any specific incident on Wednesday and suggested that an increased on-base presence might factor into the issue, as Ohtani had been less active during the previous leg of the trip. The manager described the situation as fluid, highlighting ongoing discussions within the organization about Ohtani’s status and stressing that “nothing is set in stone.”
In addition to the knee, Ohtani has contended with a recurring biceps problem that flared during his last at-bat on July 3, although the Dodgers have downplayed its severity and believe that throwing does not exacerbate the injury.
When asked whether the team would consider an extended 10-day shutdown to fully recover, Roberts said improvements in recent weeks and Ohtani’s productivity provided reason for optimism. “He’s not 100%; very few players are 100%,” Roberts said. “There’s still that conversation, where he understands the most important part of the season is to come, and he understands his value with our team.”
Roberts does not appear prepared to place Ohtani on the injured list at this time, expressing hope that the player can begin playing catch in the near future.
On Thursday, Teoscar Hernández filled in as designated hitter while Kiké Hernández returned from a two-month absence due to an oblique injury, starting in left field. Key offensive contributions came from shortstop Mookie Betts, who hit a two-run double; catcher Dalton Rushing, who launched a three-run home run; and Hernández, who added a solo homer.
Starting pitcher Roki Sasaki delivered five shutout innings before allowing two runs in the sixth. Roberts opted to use closer Edwin Díaz for a consecutive night to secure the win.
The Dodgers, currently 69-40, possess roster depth capable of accommodating more frequent rest days for Ohtani if necessary, though the team is keenly aware of the need for his full effectiveness heading into the postseason as they pursue a third consecutive championship.