Shohei Ohtani sidelined from pitching due to knee irritation

Shohei Ohtani will not pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers for some time due to left knee irritation, manager Dave Roberts confirmed on July 19. The two-way star received a lubricant injection before the All-Star break but still felt discomfort while playing catch this weekend.

What happened?

Ohtani, the four-time MVP, last pitched on July 3 against the San Diego Padres, throwing a season-high 110 pitches over six innings. His knee issue has persisted for over a month, forcing an early exit in a June 11 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Dodgers decided against testing the knee with a bullpen session, prioritizing caution.

Why it matters for Shohei Ohtani

The injury affects Ohtani’s two-way role, as he remains available as a designated hitter. Roberts noted that hitting doesn’t aggravate the knee, allowing Ohtani to bat leadoff. The Dodgers, leading the NL West by 12 games, can afford to be patient with their star player’s recovery.

What comes next?

Roberts expects Ohtani to return to the mound this season but offered no timeline. The team’s rotation flexibility, with Emmet Sheehan and Blake Snell’s impending return, eases the urgency. Snell, recovering from elbow surgery, made a rehab start on July 18, throwing 32 pitches in 1 1/3 innings.

Ohtani contributed offensively on July 19, hitting an RBI double and scoring in the Dodgers’ 2-0 lead against the New York Yankees. The team’s focus remains on ensuring his long-term health, balancing immediate needs with postseason preparation.