Ohtani returns to Dodgers lineup for Red Sox opener
Shohei Ohtani is back. After sitting Thursday with left knee soreness, the Dodgers star returned to the leadoff spot as designated hitter for Friday’s series opener against the Boston Red Sox, per MLB.com. The day-to-day knee issue still keeps him off the mound, but Los Angeles expects him to keep hitting while monitoring workload.
Key Takeaways
- Ohtani returned as the Dodgers’ leadoff designated hitter for Friday’s Red Sox opener after missing Thursday vs. Seattle.
- Left knee inflammation has lingered since June 11, and right biceps discomfort has also slowed his pitching return.
- Manager Dave Roberts said additional rest days remain possible depending on how the knee responds.
- Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 but has kept producing power as an everyday DH.
According to MLB.com, Ohtani was held out of Thursday’s series finale against the Mariners after reporting renewed soreness in his left knee during treatment. The training staff recommended the day off. He was available to pinch-hit but was unused, then slid back into the top spot for the Red Sox.
Why did Ohtani miss Thursday’s Mariners finale?
The knee issue is not new. Ohtani has been dealing with left knee inflammation since June 11 and missed the All-Star Game in Philadelphia while receiving treatment that included a lubricating Orthovisc injection. Yahoo Sports reported that a “regression” delayed his mound return last weekend, and the club revealed Tuesday that right biceps discomfort had also cropped up.
Roberts said he appreciated Ohtani communicating the soreness so the staff could decide what was in his best interest. The Athletic noted Ohtani wanted to play Thursday, but the organization took the decision out of his hands.
What is Ohtani’s pitching timeline right now?
Ohtani has not pitched since July 3. In 14 starts he owns a 1.79 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings. Roberts said Ohtani has been doing plyometrics consistently and hoped he could start throwing or playing catch again this weekend or early next week.
The Dodgers remain optimistic he can pitch in the games that matter most down the stretch and into October, but the regular-season timeline is uncertain. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has said Ohtani would be pitching if his knee were at 100 percent and that Los Angeles still plans to get him back on the mound this season.
Will the Dodgers shut Ohtani down as a hitter?
Not at the moment. MLB.com reported the club has no plans to shut him down from playing so the injuries can heal, though Roberts stressed nothing is set in stone and the conversation is constant. The Athletic reported it is unlikely Los Angeles will place him on the 10-day injured list for the knee and biceps.
Roberts suggested Ohtani reaching base seven times over the prior two games may have added wear on the knee. Still, the club has emphasized the ailments do not impact his swing. Entering Friday, Ohtani had slashed .263/.344/.526 with 10 homers and 25 RBIs in 36 games since the knee issue surfaced.
Roberts also sketched the near-term plan: after Thursday’s rest, Ohtani could feel fresh enough for four or five games before the next off day—or feel sore again after three and need another blow.
Where can fans follow Ohtani’s next lineup updates?
Night-to-night availability is the story now. For broadcast windows, late scratches, and game-day viewing notes as the Dodgers host Boston, check BlasterPost’s Streaming & TV Alerts hub. Ohtani’s bat is back in the order; how many consecutive starts he logs will tell fans whether Friday’s return sticks.