Dodgers' Ohtani's Sunday start in doubt due to lingering knee and body issues
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that Shohei Ohtani is not fully healthy, with his left knee and overall body at less than full strength. This raises uncertainty about Ohtani's planned return to pitching on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers, where he was expected to throw at least one inning.
The Dodgers' plans for Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound have hit a snag. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that the two-way star is dealing with lingering issues in his left knee and general body fatigue, leaving his status for Sunday's game against Detroit uncertain. Ohtani was slated to pitch at least one inning in that contest.
This development adds another layer of complexity to Ohtani's unique dual role. The team had been carefully managing his workload, but these physical setbacks underscore the challenges of balancing elite hitting with pitching duties. The final decision on Sunday's start will likely hinge on how Ohtani feels in the coming days.
Ohtani's uncertain status could ripple through the Dodgers' rotation plans and the broader baseball landscape. Fans and fantasy owners may see their expectations shift, while the team might need to adjust its pitching strategy. His health also carries weight for the sport's global appeal, as Ohtani draws massive international attention. A delayed return could affect ticket sales and viewership