Shohei Ohtani Out of Dodgers Lineup With Lingering Knee Soreness

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