Ohtani Sits Out Sunday Start Due to Knee Issue
Shohei Ohtani will not pitch against Detroit on Sunday after experiencing knee discomfort during a Friday bullpen session. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani's knee is not pain-free and he also has minor biceps issues. Tyler Glasnow will start in his place, and Ohtani's next pitching outing remains uncertain.
Ohtani’s last start came on July 3 against San Diego, and Sunday’s outing would have been a brief one-inning or two-inning buildup. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the challenge of deciding whether a short appearance is worthwhile when the pitcher’s overall body is not fully recovered. The Dodgers have leaned on newly acquired Tarik Skubal to help cover the rotation gap, and Ohtani has continued contributing as a hitter, posting a .274 average with 12 home runs in 45 games since his last mound appearance. Tyler Glasnow, originally slated to follow Ohtani, will now take the ball Sunday against Detroit.
This development could affect the Dodgers’ playoff positioning and rotation depth, as Ohtani’s uncertain return adds strain to a pitching staff already adjusting to injuries. Fans and fantasy owners may see reduced value from a two-way star whose unique role is central to the team’s identity. The cautious approach may signal a broader trend in managing star players’ workloads, potentially influencing how teams balance short-term wins against long-term health.