- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,242,934
- Reaction score
- 59
The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking every precaution with MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani, even if it means delaying his return to the mound. According to Dodgers insider Katie Woo, Ohtani will not make his scheduled start on Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies as the team continues to monitor his recovering knee. Manager Dave Roberts also confirmed that there is currently no timetable for when Ohtani will make his next pitching appearance.
“We just want to continue to give (the knee) the best chance to get into a good spot,” Roberts said. While Ohtani remains in the Dodgers’ lineup as a hitter, it’s clear the organization is prioritizing his long-term health over rushing him back to the rotation.
MORE: MLB Power Rankings after the 2026 All-Star break
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch in the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
This latest update follows a series of precautionary decisions by Los Angeles. Ohtani was scratched from his scheduled start before the All-Star break and also did not participate in the All-Star Game, fueling speculation that the knee issue was more significant than initially believed.
Now, with another scheduled start postponed and no return date established, the Dodgers are making it clear they won’t take unnecessary risks. Although Ohtani is healthy enough to continue hitting, pitching places much greater stress on the body, particularly the lower half.
Before the injury setback, Ohtani was putting together what many considered the best pitching season of his major league career. Losing that production from the rotation is significant, but the Dodgers understand that his value extends far beyond what he provides on the mound.
His bat remains one of the most dangerous weapons in baseball, and keeping him in the lineup every day is a priority. Fortunately for Los Angeles, they also find themselves comfortably atop the National League West standings, giving them the luxury of being patient.
The Dodgers aren’t focused on winning games in late July—they’re focused on having Ohtani healthy for October. A fully recovered Shohei Ohtani dramatically changes the outlook of any postseason series, both as an elite hitter and a frontline starting pitcher.
With a division lead providing breathing room, there is little incentive to accelerate his pitching schedule.
The Dodgers would rather sacrifice a few regular-season starts now than risk aggravating the injury and potentially losing one of the game’s biggest stars when the playoffs begin. For now, Ohtani’s next start remains unknown, but the Dodgers’ cautious approach makes one thing clear: protecting their franchise player is the organization’s top priority.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
“We just want to continue to give (the knee) the best chance to get into a good spot,” Roberts said. While Ohtani remains in the Dodgers’ lineup as a hitter, it’s clear the organization is prioritizing his long-term health over rushing him back to the rotation.
MORE: MLB Power Rankings after the 2026 All-Star break
Dodgers Continue to Exercise Patience
You must be registered for see images
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch in the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
This latest update follows a series of precautionary decisions by Los Angeles. Ohtani was scratched from his scheduled start before the All-Star break and also did not participate in the All-Star Game, fueling speculation that the knee issue was more significant than initially believed.
Now, with another scheduled start postponed and no return date established, the Dodgers are making it clear they won’t take unnecessary risks. Although Ohtani is healthy enough to continue hitting, pitching places much greater stress on the body, particularly the lower half.
No Need to Rush Their Superstar
Before the injury setback, Ohtani was putting together what many considered the best pitching season of his major league career. Losing that production from the rotation is significant, but the Dodgers understand that his value extends far beyond what he provides on the mound.
His bat remains one of the most dangerous weapons in baseball, and keeping him in the lineup every day is a priority. Fortunately for Los Angeles, they also find themselves comfortably atop the National League West standings, giving them the luxury of being patient.
Looking Toward October
The Dodgers aren’t focused on winning games in late July—they’re focused on having Ohtani healthy for October. A fully recovered Shohei Ohtani dramatically changes the outlook of any postseason series, both as an elite hitter and a frontline starting pitcher.
With a division lead providing breathing room, there is little incentive to accelerate his pitching schedule.
The Dodgers would rather sacrifice a few regular-season starts now than risk aggravating the injury and potentially losing one of the game’s biggest stars when the playoffs begin. For now, Ohtani’s next start remains unknown, but the Dodgers’ cautious approach makes one thing clear: protecting their franchise player is the organization’s top priority.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
