Dodgers’ Dave Roberts addresses concerns over Shohei Ohtani’s physical condition, considers rest day

LOS ANGELES — Dodgers manager Dave Roberts observed Shohei Ohtani visibly struggling at the plate on Wednesday night, as the four-time MVP finished the game 0-for-4 with four strikeouts.

Roberts indicated he plans to consult with the training staff and Ohtani on Thursday to thoroughly assess his physical condition and determine whether a day off is warranted, though he does not believe a stint on the injured list is necessary.

“I saw the same thing that everyone saw,” Roberts remarked following an 8-6 loss in 10 innings to the St. Louis Cardinals. “You could see the swing wasn’t the swing that we’re used to seeing. He’s not close to optimal.”

The two-way superstar has not pitched since July 3 due to lingering discomfort in his left knee and right biceps, which may be impacting his offensive performance. He is currently batting .279 after recording four consecutive strikeouts for the first time this season.

“I know he feels that he needs to post and be in the lineup and if he’s upright, he should play,” Roberts said. “I respect that, but if he’s feeling the way that he visibly looks, then it’s really not helping anyone.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Roberts had stated that he had no indication Ohtani was dealing with physical issues.

After the game, the manager added, “I’ve seen it over the last couple weeks where he hasn’t been who he is.”

Ohtani has not spoken to the media in two weeks.

“I still feel there’s enough days on the calendar of the season that we have plenty of time to make whatever decision we make and to have him come out of it in a better spot,” Roberts said.

The Dodgers remain uncertain whether Ohtani will take the mound again this season.

He completed a 20-pitch bullpen session on Friday but was subsequently scratched from a scheduled start at Detroit two days later. Roberts mentioned that until Ohtani throws another bullpen, the next step in his pitching progression remains unclear.

When asked if it is possible Ohtani will not pitch again this season, Roberts responded, “It’s an option.”

Prior to being sidelined, Ohtani had recorded an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA across 14 starts.

If Ohtani is unable to start on the mound, could he potentially play at an outfield corner position?

“Not on the table right now,” Roberts said.

Ohtani has not appeared in the outfield in the major leagues since 2021, when he played seven games there for the Los Angeles Angels.

If Ohtani is not physically able to start a game, there is a possibility he could enter as a reliever.

If he begins as the designated hitter and then transitions to the mound, the so-called Ohtani Rule would come into effect, causing the Dodgers to lose their DH for the remainder of the game. However, if he moves from the mound to the outfield, he could remain in the lineup.

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