Shohei Ohtani will not be returning to the Dodgers’ starting rotation as originally scheduled. His next pitching start has been postponed, a direct result of the knee injury that required draining over the All-Star break. This isn’t just a minor tweak; manager Dave Roberts told reporters Sunday, “It’s gonna be some time, and I’d say that it’s not gonna be a day-to-day thing.” That’s a gut punch for any team, even for a juggernaut.
Ohtani’s Knee Is Not a Day-to-Day Thing
Let’s be clear: Roberts isn’t downplaying this. The team wants to give the knee the “best chance to get into a good spot,” he said. Ohtani’s still out there as the designated hitter and leadoff man, having taken that spot Friday and for the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader. So, whatever discomfort he’s feeling when he’s on the mound, it’s not enough to keep his bat out of the lineup. But the fact that they’re pulling him from pitching? That speaks volumes. This isn’t just a skip. It’s a real pause, and you have to wonder what the long-term impact on his pitching arm might be given his history.
The Workload, The Lead, and a Looming Deadline
Here’s where it gets interesting, and frankly, a little concerning. Ohtani only threw 67 ⅓ innings last season, his first back from Tommy John surgery. They pushed him to get back into the lineup as a full-time DH, skipping a minor-league rehab assignment entirely. This season? He’s already logged 85 ⅔ innings on the mound. That’s a significant jump in workload. Now, the Dodgers are the two-time defending champions, and they’ve got a massive 12-game lead in the NL West. That cushion gives them the luxury to “slow play” Ohtani’s return to the mound, especially as they’re clearly eyeing another deep October run.
But let’s be real. If this were any other starting pitcher, that knee injury would land them on the injured list faster than you can say “Tommy John.” The Dodgers are making an exception for Ohtani, keeping his bat in the lineup while shelving his pitching arm. You’ve got to wonder if they’re sacrificing long-term pitching health for immediate offensive output. And with Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell already on the injured list, plus concerns around a few other starters, this situation could force the Dodgers to make a move. Keep your eyes peeled for the Aug. 3 trade deadline. They might just be looking to grab a frontline starter. It’s a high-stakes game they’re playing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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