Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is out of the starting lineup for the Friday series opener against the Chicago White Sox at Chicago due to left knee soreness/inflammation. Multiple reports say Ohtani exited a game early the previous night versus the Pittsburgh Pirates after feeling discomfort in his left knee, and the Dodgers remove him as a precaution. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani told the team’s trainer he felt something behind his knee, and the club chose not to risk it. Roberts also indicates the team reassesses his status after arriving in Chicago, with his availability described as day to day.
Separately, one report notes that Ohtani has also had knee and hamstring pain in the same left leg, but the team’s decision remains focused on the knee issue. Another update says an injured list (IL) stint is not expected. On Saturday, Ohtani returns to the Dodgers’ starting lineup after missing Friday, again described as a precautionary removal, and he serves as the designated hitter while leading off. Reports also mention uncertainty for the weekend but an expectation that he could make his regular pitching turn on Wednesday.
