Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Shohei Ohtani was in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Friday night but did not make his scheduled pitching start against the Arizona Diamondbacks due to continued irritation in his left knee.
The Dodgers announced Ohtani would continue to fulfill his duties as a designated hitter throughout the weekend but isn’t going to participate in the All-Star Game and was scheduled for “interventions” in his left knee.
Shohei Ohtani comments on left knee issue
The Dodgers’ announcement was followed by manager Dave Roberts revealing Ohtani was due to have fluid drained from his knee and likely would receive a cortisone injection.
“It affects more of my pitching rather than my hitting,” Ohtani noted through interpreter Will Ireton after the Dodgers’ loss on Friday. “The knee flared up. Sometimes it would calm down. There was a lot of up and down.
“Seeing how the knee handled the last couple weeks, the decision was made to do the injection.”
As for how this will affect Ohtani’s availability on the mound going forward, Roberts said there are some details to work through but he does not believe it will prevent the 32-year-old from pitching.
Roberts added the decision was a precautionary measure and noted that Ohtani would play through the injury if the stakes were higher, such as in October.
For his part, Ohtani said his “goal” is to remain on what’s become his usual pitching schedule this season of starting once per week.
One silver lining is the right bicep issue that resulted in Ohtani’s early exit on July 3 and one missed game against the San Diego Padres did not factor into the Dodgers’ decision.
Roberts added that Ohtani’s arm is feeling “fine” and he will be ready to pitch sometime after the All-Star break.
“We have six pitchers, so I’m not sure which day we’re going to slot him in, but he will be ready in the second half,” Roberts said.
Iván Herrera replaces Shohei Ohtani
Shortly after the Dodgers revealed Ohtani would no longer be in the National League lineup for the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park, MLB announced his roster spot was given to Iván Herrera of the St. Louis Cardinals.
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