Story perspectives

Ohtani to miss Nationals game with knee soreness

9/7/2026

Summary

Ohtani Out

Dave Roberts announced Shohei Ohtani will miss Sunday’s game against the Washington Nationals.
Ohtani has missed four straight games with left knee soreness, right-biceps discomfort, and a neck issue.
He has not pitched since July 3 and is unlikely to return to the mound this season.
Roberts hopes Ohtani can rejoin the lineup as a designated hitter on Monday.

Summary

Rushing Injured

Dalton Rushing was placed on the injured list on Sept. 6, ending his season as a Dodgers catcher.
Eliezer Alfonzo was recalled from Triple-A to fill Rushing’s roster spot, adding depth behind the plate.
With three catchers available, manager Dave Roberts can deploy Will Smith and Hunter Feduccia more freely.
Max Muncy has taken over the designated-hitter role while Shohei Ohtani is absent.

History

Historical Context

In 2015, the Los Angeles Dodgers saw ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw miss ten starts after a shoulder strain, derailing their postseason push. General manager Andrew Friedman allocated $12 million from the payroll to acquire reliever Tony Cingrani, who posted a 2.45 ERA over 30 innings. Similarly, today Dodgers manager Dave Roberts must reshuffle the lineup as Shohei Ohtani and catcher Dalton Rushing sit on the injured list, prompting Max Muncy’s DH role. The Dodgers’ 2015 roster overhaul demonstrated how star injuries can reshape offensive strategy, a pattern the 2024 club now mirrors amid playoff aspirations.

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Ohtani Out

Dave Roberts announced Shohei Ohtani will miss Sunday’s game against the Washington Nationals.
Ohtani has missed four straight games with left knee soreness, right-biceps discomfort, and a neck issue.
He has not pitched since July 3 and is unlikely to return to the mound this season.
Roberts hopes Ohtani can rejoin the lineup as a designated hitter on Monday.

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