Overview
- Manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that shutting Ohtani down from pitching for the rest of the regular season is “an option” and that he will meet with Ohtani and the training staff to decide next steps.
- Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 because of left‑knee inflammation and a right biceps issue that stalled his throwing progression and comeback timeline.
- The hitter has visibly struggled at the plate, going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in Wednesday’s loss and recording 2-for-23 with 11 strikeouts over his last six games.
- Roberts said he will weigh short rest, a brief time off or an injured‑list stint but called an IL move very unlikely so far and stressed Ohtani does not want days off.
- The Dodgers believe their top starting rotation can cover starts without Ohtani, but losing his two‑way value would force lineup replacements and would probably end his MVP bid and change October planning.