Shohei Ohtani Out of Dodgers Lineup With Lingering Knee Soreness

•2mo ago

Shohei Ohtani Out of Dodgers Lineup With Lingering Knee Soreness

Tap title to read story

0:00 / 2:05

Shohei Ohtani was held out of the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting lineup for Thursday's series finale against the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium due to renewed soreness in his left knee.

Ohtani reported the discomfort while undergoing treatment, leading the Dodgers' training staff to recommend a day off. Manager Dave Roberts said the decision was precautionary and that Ohtani is available to pinch-hit if needed.

" I appreciate him saying that there's some soreness to then allow me to make a decision for what is in his best interest, and that's what we're doing, " Roberts said.

Ohtani has been dealing with left knee inflammation since June 11 and has not pitched in a game since July 3. He has continued to serve as the Dodgers' everyday designated hitter but did not participate in the All-Star Game in Philadelphia after receiving a lubricating Orthovisc injection in the knee.

The club revealed on Tuesday that right biceps discomfort has also emerged, further slowing his pitching progression. In 14 starts this season, Ohtani has a 1.79 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP with 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings.

Roberts said Ohtani pushed to play through the soreness but the organization overruled him. "He wanted to play through it," Roberts said. "But we decided against it."

The Dodgers remain optimistic Ohtani will pitch again this season, but there is no firm timeline. Roberts said he hopes Ohtani will begin playing catch as soon as this weekend or early next week.

" We're talking about this constantly, " Roberts said. "And nothing should be off the table, and nothing is set in stone."

Roberts said he is "very confident" Ohtani will return to the lineup on Friday for the series opener against the Boston Red Sox. With Ohtani out, Tommy Edman batted leadoff and Teoscar Hernández served as the designated hitter, batting seventh.

Ohtani, 32, last pitched on July 3, throwing a season-high 110 pitches. He has not been placed on the injured list, a

Published 2026-07-31 03:30:49 UTC · Published by JQJO

Published by JQJO Editorial Desk · AI assisted

More context

Timeline

· On June 11, 2026 Ohtani first developed left knee inflammation during season.
· On July 3, 2026 Ohtani pitched last game and exited with biceps.
· On July 3, 2026 Ohtani's right biceps discomfort emerged during hitting.
· On July 19, 2026 Ohtani skipped All-Star Game for Orthovisc knee injection.
· On July 22, 2026 Ohtani received lubricating injection and rested four days.
· On July 28, 2026 Ohtani homered but knee soreness persisted after game.
· On July 29, 2026 Ohtani revealed biceps not 100 percent to media.
· On July 29, 2026 Friedman said Ohtani would pitch if not for knee.
· On July 30, 2026 Ohtani went 5-for-7 in two games against Mariners.
· On July 30, 2026 Ohtani reported renewed knee soreness after Wednesday's game.
· On July 31, 2026 Ohtani held out of Dodgers lineup against Mariners.
· On July 31, 2026 Roberts said training staff recommended precautionary day off.
· On July 31, 2026 Roberts confirmed Ohtani available to pinch-hit if needed.
· On July 31, 2026 Roberts expressed confidence Ohtani returns Friday versus Red Sox.
· On July 31, 2026 Tommy Edman led off and Teoscar Hernández served as DH.
· Ohtani expected to play catch this weekend or early next week.
· Dodgers remain optimistic Ohtani will pitch again this season.
· No firm timeline exists for Ohtani's return to the mound.
· Roberts said nothing is off the table regarding injury management.
· Ohtani's knee will not fully heal until offseason rest.

Why it matters

Immediate US impact: Dodgers' playoff hopes hinge on Ohtani's uncertain health status. Possible long-term US impact: Ohtani's durability questions could reshape his Hall of Fame trajectory. Most affected groups: Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB fans, fantasy baseball players, sports bettors. What readers should prioritise: Monitor Dodgers' official injury updates and Roberts' pregame statements.

Coverage notes

Left: Insufficient evidence to establish a distinct left-leaning framing for this sports injury story. Center: Dodgers rest Ohtani as precaution after he reports knee soreness following Wednesday's game. Right: Insufficient evidence to establish a distinct right-leaning framing for this sports injury story.