Dodgers manager Dave Roberts just dropped a bombshell on ESPN’s broadcast, revealing that Shohei Ohtani will be out from pitching for at least a week to 10 days. This isn’t just some minor blip, folks; it’s a huge deal for a guy who has been absolutely dealing on the mound all season.
That Lingering Knee Issue Is Starting to Bite
This pitching hiatus comes down to a lingering knee issue that has been bothering Ohtani since June. Seriously, how much can one guy endure? This isn’t just a minor annoyance, either. The reigning MVP already missed a scheduled start before the All-Star break, then sat out an entire game because of the injury. And get this: he even missed the All-Star game to get a procedure done on that knee. Roberts confirmed Ohtani won’t pitch in his next scheduled start against the Phillies on Wednesday.
Roberts spelled it out directly: “Shohei’s not going to start on Wednesday. His knee, we just want to continue to give it the best chance to get into a good spot. As he said, as we feel, it’s the pitching and the torque of landing on that leg that gets it upset. I think that the hitting doesn’t do that, so we’re trying to give it as much time as possible.” It sounds like the Dodgers are playing it smart, trying to protect their superstar and keep him hitting, but man, that’s a tough pill to swallow for their rotation.
What They’re Losing For Now
Look, even with all the talent on that Dodgers roster, you just can’t replicate what Ohtani does. He’s MLB’s only true two-way player, and his pitching stats this season are just ridiculous. In only 14 starts, he’s rocking an insane 1.79 ERA over 85.2 innings pitched, with a whopping 95 strikeouts. You do not just “replace” that kind of production, no matter who you are.
Justin Wrobleski is stepping in for Ohtani in the series finale against the Phillies, but that’s a stop-gap at best. They’re hoping two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell will be back from his injured list stint soon; he’s already started his rehab assignment down in Triple-A Oklahoma City. Still, the pressure is on for Ohtani to get past this knee issue and get back to doing both parts of his job, because the league absolutely notices when he’s out.
So, the next “week to 10 days” is going to feel like forever. Everyone will be watching to see if Ohtani can shake this knee problem and get back to his incredible two-way duties.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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