Dodgers Delay Ohtani's Return Again After $700 Million Star's Knee Discomfort
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 19
Dodgers Delay Ohtani's Return Again After $700 Million Star's Knee Discomfort
3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 19
Summary
Wednesday's planned start against Philadelphia was pushed back after Shohei Ohtani felt discomfort while playing catch, leaving the Dodgers unable to say when he will pitch again.
Dave Roberts called the issue left-knee "wear and tear" rather than a day-to-day setback; a lubricant injection can ease symptoms for months but offers no quick fix.
The knee problem has already hit Ohtani's results: after a 0.74 ERA through his first 10 starts, he has a 4.38 ERA in four outings since the irritation surfaced June 10.
Los Angeles still expects Ohtani to keep hitting because the discomfort shows up on the mound, but the delay clouds his buildup for October after he has already gone 16 days without pitching.
The setback sharpens longer-term questions about how often the 32-year-old can remain a full two-way player, even as his bat and commercial impact keep his 10-year, $700 million deal valuable.