Shohei Ohtani, in doubt for his next start with the Dodgers
The future of Shohei Ohtani on the mound is uncertain due to a persistent illness that prevented him from participating in Wednesday’s game against Pittsburgh. The Los Angeles Dodgers star, although he felt well enough to bat and got two of his team’s five hits in the 3-0 defeat, is still not 100% recovered. Manager Dave Roberts has not set a date for Ohtani’s next start, explaining that the player “doesn’t feel strong” and that there is no set date for his return.Roberts revealed that Ohtani, who showed symptoms like a “deep cough”, didn’t feel well during a pitching session on Tuesday. Despite this, Ohtani played and got three hits, including his 100th home run with the Dodgers. The decision not to pitch was made after a conversation between Ohtani and Roberts, prioritizing the player’s health. “When you’re sick and potentially dehydrated, the effort of pitching in a game wasn’t worth it,” Roberts commented. In Wednesday’s game, Emmet Sheehan took Ohtani’s place, allowing two runs and five hits in 4 2/3 innings. Despite the illness, Ohtani demonstrated his competitiveness by hitting a double and a single, even advancing from first to second base in an unusual play. “He’s a competitor, he’s trying to help us win,” said Roberts. In addition to Ohtani, catcher Will Smith also left the game due to a contusion on his right hand. Although X-rays were negative and he is considered “day-to-day”, it is unlikely that he will play on Thursday against the Pirates’ ace, Paul Skenes. The Dodgers are looking to avoid a sweep in the series. The Dodgers, leaders of the National League West Division, have had an irregular performance recently, losing four of their last five games. This has allowed San Diego to stay close in the fight for the divisional title.“He still doesn’t feel strong. He’s better, but he’s certainly not there, and because of that, we just don’t have a date for the day he’s going to start”.
Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
