Shohei Ohtani’s difficult stretch at the plate has added another layer of concern for the Los Angeles Dodgers as the regular season enters its final weeks.
After struggling in a recent matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals, the two-way superstar could potentially receive time away from the team as Los Angeles evaluates his physical condition.
Ohtani went hitless in four at-bats against St. Louis on September 2 and struck out four times. The performance continued a challenging period for the Japanese star, who has seen his production decline since the beginning of August. Although Ohtani continued to provide power, including six home runs during August, his increased strikeout totals and declining overall offensive numbers have become noticeable.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani did not appear to be performing like himself. Rather than simply focusing on his statistics, Roberts indicated that the player’s physical appearance was also a concern.
“He feels he needs to post … and I respect that,” Roberts said, per Katie Woo of The Athletic. “But if he’s feeling the way he visibly looks, then really not helping anyone. That’s the conversation I’ll have with him.”
The Dodgers were expected to discuss whether Ohtani should take a break, with the possibility of an injured-list stint becoming part of the conversation. However, Roberts downplayed a potential trip to the IL, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
The situation is particularly important because Ohtani has been dealing with a lingering issue involving his left knee. The problem has affected his ability to return to the mound, forcing him to remain in the designated-hitter role while continuing his pitching rehabilitation.
Ohtani last pitched for Los Angeles on July 3. Since then, the organization has carefully managed his throwing program as he attempts to build back toward game action. A planned return against Detroit at the end of August did not happen, leaving his pitching comeback uncertain with the postseason approaching.
The Dodgers face a difficult balancing act. Ohtani remains one of the most important offensive players on the roster, making a minor-league rehabilitation assignment complicated because removing him from the major-league lineup would also take away a significant part of the team’s offense.
At the same time, continuing to play while dealing with physical limitations could prevent him from being fully effective.
With less than a month remaining in the regular season, every decision involving Ohtani carries added significance. Los Angeles is competing for playoff positioning, while Ohtani is attempting to regain the form that has made him one of baseball’s most influential players.
For the Dodgers, protecting Ohtani’s health may ultimately be more important than keeping him in the lineup every day. If additional rest can help him recover and potentially return to the mound, a short-term absence could prove worthwhile as Los Angeles prepares for the postseason.
