Los Angeles – The Dodgers confirmed on Saturday that Shohei Ohtani will not appear in the lineup for the third game in a row. Manager Dave Roberts said the 32‑year‑old two‑way star is still dealing with lingering discomfort in his neck, right biceps and left knee.
Recent absences and performance dip
Ohtani sat out the Dodgers’ 3‑2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday and the 5‑3 win against the Washington Nationals on Friday. In the past 13 games, his batting average has fallen to .137 (seven hits in 51 at‑bats) with just one home run, a sharp contrast to his season‑long .279 average, 30 homers and 80 RBIs.
Potential move to the injured list
Roberts told reporters that if Ohtani does not feel well enough on Saturday, “the injured list should be on the table.” The minimum stint for a two‑way player on the injured list is 15 days, the same as for pitchers.
Ohtani’s pitching numbers remain impressive despite the layoff. He is 8‑2 with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings over 14 starts this season. However, he has not taken the mound since July 3, and he has declined media interviews since August 17.
Impact on the Dodgers
The Dodgers are currently navigating a tight race in the National League West. Losing Ohtani’s bat and arm for even a short stretch puts additional pressure on the rest of the roster. The team’s depth players have stepped up, but the club hopes the star will return soon to maintain its offensive firepower and pitching depth.
Fans can expect Ohtani to continue his rehab work in the batting cages before the next home game against the Nationals. The Dodgers will monitor his condition closely and make a final decision before the next series.
What’s next for Los Angeles
The Dodgers will rely on veteran pitchers and emerging hitters to fill the gap while Ohtani recovers. Manager Roberts emphasized the importance of staying disciplined and playing “the next game” without looking ahead to speculation.
For now, the focus remains on health and preparation. Dodgers supporters are encouraged to stay tuned to official team updates and to continue supporting the club as it pushes toward a postseason berth.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
