Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani’s Knee Inflammation Forces Dodgers to Sit Two-Way Star for White Sox Opener
6/13/2026, 12:52:22 PM
Ohtani’s Knee Inflammation Sidelines Him for White Sox Opener
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will not start at designated hitter in the series-opening game against the Chicago White Sox on Friday, June 12. Ohtani left the Thursday night win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the seventh inning after reporting “a little something behind his knee.” Imaging showed only inflammation, and Roberts emphasized that the situation is “not an IL situation.” The Dodgers opted to give Ohtani an extra day of rest before reassessing his availability for the remainder of the three-game Chicago series.
Season Context: Ohtani’s Two-Way Dominance and Injury History
Ohtani entered the June 12 game batting .305 with a .421 on-base percentage, 13 home runs and 40 RBIs in 67 games. On the mound he was 6-2 with a 1.06 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 73 strikeouts over 67.2 innings—statistics that place him in contention for both the NL MVP and Cy Young awards. The left knee he injured was surgically repaired in September 2019 (a bipartite-patella procedure) and has not required further treatment until this episode.
Performance Metrics: Hitting and Pitching Statistics
- Batting: .305 AVG / .421 OBP / .543 SLG, 13 HR, 40 RBI, .964 OPS, 165 wRC+.
- Pitching: 6-2 record, 1.06 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 73 K, 21 BB, opponents’ BAA .154.
These numbers underscore the Dodgers’ reliance on Ohtani’s dual contributions; losing him for even a single game compresses an already thin rotation that includes 60-day IL stints for Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and others.
Dodgers’ Official Response: Manager Dave Roberts’ Updates
Roberts repeatedly framed the decision as precautionary. He noted that the swelling was “just the normal wear and tear,” and that “we tried to be smart about it and get him out of the game.” He added that Ohtani’s range of motion was “good” and that the team would evaluate him after the flight to Chicago. Roberts also said his “level of concern for Ohtani’s injury is ‘not high’” and that the team hopes to see him back in the lineup “tomorrow or the next day” unless travel or symptoms dictate otherwise.
Cautious Outlook: Concerns Over Ohtani’s Health and Roster Impact
Analysts and team insiders warned that the Dodgers “cannot afford any serious injury” to Ohtani given his central role in both offense and rotation. The injury comes amid a broader spate of Dodgers’ ailments—including Will Smith’s neck inflammation and multiple pitchers on the 60-day IL—prompting calls for a more conservative usage pattern. The precautionary removal reflects the organization’s desire to protect its marquee two-way player from a potentially season-altering setback.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps: Injury Cause, Timeline, and Availability
Sources differ on the precise trigger. Some reports suggest the discomfort arose during a stolen-base attempt on a foul ball, while others initially suspected a hamstring issue before identifying knee inflammation. Timeline projections also vary: early statements indicated Ohtani could return Friday, whereas later updates allowed for “multiple games” of rest. No definitive public timeline has been set, and the Dodgers have not disclosed whether Ohtani will be available for late-game pinch-hit situations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just wanted to be smart and not push it,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “Roberts said his level of concern for Ohtani's injury is "not high", according to Jack Harris of the California Post.” — Dave Roberts
- “We tried to be smart about it and get him out of the game,” — Dave Roberts
- “not an IL situation.” — Dave Roberts
- “Roberts told reporters Ohtani felt something in the area of his knee and lower hamstring after a stolen base attempt on what would be a foul ball, calling it a "proactive" decision to remove the reigning MVP.” — Dave Roberts
What’s Next: Upcoming Starts and Potential Return
Roberts confirmed that Ohtani remains slated to pitch on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays, assuming he completes his routine and shows no adverse reaction. The Dodgers will reassess his DH status for the remainder of the White Sox series on June 13–14, with the expectation that a full return could occur later that weekend if the knee responds to rest and treatment.
