The Los Angeles Dodgers postponed the expected return of Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher because the Japanese continues to have discomfort in his left knee, manager Dave Roberts confirmed.
Ohtani was scheduled to start Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, in what would have been his first start since July 3. However, the coaching staff decided to cancel the outing as a precautionary measure.
“The way we’re handling the situation, I would say there’s still some time left. It’s not going to be a decision that changes overnight,” Roberts explained.
The leader added that the team’s priority is to avoid any risk and continue acting with caution during the recovery of its main figure.
Shohei Ohtani continues as designated hitter
Despite the setback, Ohtani will remain in the Dodgers’ lineup as a designated hitter as his recovery progresses.
The Japanese received an injection in his left knee on July 12 and, as a consequence, also missed the All-Star Game.
Roberts acknowledged that there is still no set date for his return to the mound.
A dominant season
Before the pause, Ohtani had been one of the great figures of the Major Leagues both from the mound and with the bat.
In 14 starts he has an 8-2 record, an outstanding 1.79 ERA and an average of 10 strikeouts per nine innings.
On offense he also maintains elite numbers, with 22 home runs, a .289 average, a .400 on-base percentage and an OPS of .942, establishing himself once again as one of the most complete players in baseball.
