Shohei Ohtani won't make planned start to pitch vs. Phillies

Shohei Ohtani will not make his scheduled start against the Philadelphia Phillies this week. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced on Sunday that the team is hitting the pause button on Ohtani’s mound work indefinitely due to persistent irritation in his left knee.

Ohtani, who has not pitched in a game since July 3, experienced discomfort during his preparation for a planned bullpen session. This setback forced the team to pivot from their previous timeline. While the Dodgers intend for Ohtani to pitch again before the season concludes, Roberts confirmed that his return to the mound is no longer a day-to-day consideration. The team is choosing to exercise caution as they navigate the second half of the season.

Despite the issue with his knee while pitching, Ohtani will continue to serve as the team’s designated hitter. Roberts noted that the physical demands of hitting do not aggravate the specific injury in the same way that driving off the mound does when pitching. Ohtani remains a focal point of the Dodgers' lineup, maintaining a batting average of .289 with 22 home runs. He remains a top contender for the National League MVP award.

This development forces the Dodgers to adjust their rotation plans. With Ohtani’s start off the table, the team is reconfiguring their pitching assignments, including shifting Emmet Sheehan’s schedule. The organization is monitoring the situation closely but expressed no concern about Ohtani’s ability to remain in the batting order. The club is prioritizing a healthy return to the rotation rather than rushing him back to the mound.