Ohtani to Manage Knee and Biceps Injuries Through Dodgers' Playoff Run
Ohtani to Manage Knee and Biceps Injuries Through Dodgers’ Playoff Run
Shohei Ohtani will play through lingering knee and biceps injuries as the Los Angeles Dodgers open their National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday.
The two-way star admitted he will not be fully fit for the postseason but said his swing is in a better place after what he described as a very productive few days of preparation.
“As of now, it’s something I’m just going to have to manage,” Ohtani said of the injuries.
Shohei Ohtani’s road back from injury
The left knee and right biceps problems forced Ohtani onto the injured list in early September after a difficult 14-game spell. He returned with five regular-season games remaining but managed just five hits in 21 at-bats, with eight strikeouts.
Dodgers hitting coach Aaron Bates, however, was encouraged by Ohtani’s recent batting practice sessions, describing the contact as “as good as we’ve seen it this year as far as the way the ball was coming off”.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani will be in the lineup for Game 1 despite not being fully fit.
“Shohei’s not 100%, but he’s going to be in the lineup,” Roberts said.
No pitching for the rest of the season
Ohtani also confirmed he will not pitch again this season. He has not taken the mound since July 3, finishing the year 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA across 14 starts.
“During the IL, I pretty much knew I wasn’t going to pitch the rest of the season,” Ohtani said, adding that he still needs to make “little tweaks here and there” before Game 1.
At the plate, Ohtani finished the regular season with a .275 batting average, 30 home runs and 11 stolen bases. The Dodgers will need that production against a Braves side that has troubled them this season.
Frequently asked questions
What injuries is Shohei Ohtani managing?
Ohtani is managing a left knee injury and a right biceps injury, which put him on the injured list in early September. He says he will have to manage both through the postseason rather than expect to be fully fit.
Will Ohtani pitch in the playoffs?
No. Ohtani confirmed he will not pitch for the rest of the season, having last taken the mound on July 3. He finished 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts.
When do the Dodgers play the Braves?
The National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves begins on Saturday, with Ohtani confirmed in the lineup for Game 1.
