Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani’s Knee Inflammation Sidelines Dodgers in Chicago Series
6/13/2026, 12:49:09 PM
Immediate Impact: White Sox Defeat Dodgers 8-2
On June 13, the Chicago White Sox beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8–2 at Rate Field. Chicago starter Anthony Kay threw five innings, allowing two runs on four hits, and the bullpen retired 19 straight batters. The Dodgers, without Shohei Ohtani, scored three runs; starter Roki Sasaki lasted 4 1/3 innings and gave up seven runs. The defeat ended the Dodgers’ 3-0 home-field streak.
Background: Ohtani’s Two-Way Role and Season Performance
Shohei Ohtani began 2026 as a two-way star, batting .305 with 13 homers, 40 RBIs and a league-leading .421 OBP. As a pitcher he was 6-2 with a 1.06 ERA, which would top the NL if qualified. His performance kept him in MVP and Cy Young discussions.
Official Statements & Team Response
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani’s absence was a precaution, not an IL move. He described the knee problem as normal wear and tear, noted Ohtani’s range of motion was good, and said the team expects him to start on Wednesday versus the Tampa Bay Rays.
Criticism & Analyst Perspective
Analysts pointed to the Dodgers’ bullpen, which posted a 7.36 ERA over two weeks, and a .585 OPS against left-handed hitters. By contrast, White Sox left-hander Anthony Kay was 4-0 with a 3.22 ERA. They argued Ohtani’s absence magnified the bullpen’s weakness, affecting the series result.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reuters and ESPN said Ohtani missed the game due to left-knee inflammation from Pittsburgh, while CBS Sports suggested a possible injury from being hit by a pitch on Thursday. The cause remains unclear, and no official medical report is available.
Verbatim Quotes
- “just to give him an extra day, and my hope is that he's in there tomorrow. But if not, he'll need another day.” — Dave Roberts (ESPN)
- “There were no findings. It's just the normal wear and tear. I thought initially it was a hamstring, but it was the knee. It just kind of got upset, swelled up a little bit.” — Dave Roberts (ESPN)
- “I expect him to make his start on Wednesday until I hear otherwise,” — Dave Roberts (ESPN)
What’s Next for Ohtani and the Dodgers
The Dodgers plan to use Ohtani as both pitcher and hitter on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays, while monitoring his knee and managing his workload for the postseason.
