Dodgers manager explains Shohei Ohtani's absence from lineup due to knee pain

Shohei Ohtani, the star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was unexpectedly removed from the starting lineup for the game against the Seattle Mariners. Manager Dave Roberts cited knee pain as the reason for Ohtani's absence from the starting roster.

Roberts explained that Ohtani experienced discomfort in his left knee, which had been treated the previous day. "We thought it was best to give him the day off today," Roberts told reporters. Despite Ohtani's personal desire to play, the coaching staff made the decision to rest him to prevent the injury from worsening.

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We thought it was best to give him the day off today.

While Ohtani will not start, he is expected to be available to pinch-hit if the game situation calls for it. "We'll see how the game goes, he'll be ready in the dugout," Roberts added.

The manager indicated that there wasn't a specific incident that caused the knee pain to escalate. However, he suggested that the increased number of times Ohtani has reached base in recent games, leading to more running, might have contributed to the strain on his knee.

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We'll see how the game goes, he'll be ready in the dugout.