Ohtani Sits Out vs. Mariners Due to Lingering Knee Soreness

Shohei Ohtani, 32, last pitched on July 3, delivering a season-high 110 pitches before exiting with a right-biceps tweak. Nine days later, after the Dodgers’ final pre-All-Star game, he received a lubricant injection in his left knee and rested four days. The left knee—his landing leg—has been a recurring concern only when he pitches, but recent base-running activity appears to have aggravated it.

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The Dodgers chose to skip Ohtani’s scheduled start in Philadelphia on July 22, opting instead for a bullpen session that further irritated the knee and triggered a flare-up of the earlier biceps issue. He noted that Ohtani’s seven plate appearances over the prior two nights likely contributed to the soreness. The organization is resisting an injured-list designation, citing medical advice that the knee will not fully heal until the offseason.

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Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman expressed confidence that Ohtani will pitch again this season, while Roberts said he hopes Ohtani can begin throwing catch this weekend.

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• “That's a hard question, and I understand the thought behind it,” — Dave Roberts, dodgers manager — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager

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The Dodgers continue to monitor Ohtani’s condition closely, balancing his value to the team with the need to avoid a more serious setback before the crucial stretch of the season.

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