Dodgers' Ohtani Knee Woes: Manager Cites Difficulty in Mandating Rest

Shohei Ohtani's left knee discomfort is becoming a growing concern for the Los Angeles Dodgers, with manager Dave Roberts acknowledging the difficulty in managing the superstar's playing time.

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I'm grateful that he's willing to communicate with us. I can't read minds, and neither can the training staff, so we can only make the right decisions when he tells us about his physical condition.

Ohtani sat out on July 31 due to the issue, which has gradually affected his hitting. Roberts expressed gratitude for Ohtani's willingness to communicate his physical condition, emphasizing that proactive communication is crucial for making informed decisions. The manager noted that the discomfort isn't tied to a single incident but likely stems from his frequent baserunning in recent games, where he reached base seven times over two games.

Doctors have informed Ohtani that a full recovery for his left knee is only possible with complete rest during the offseason. Consequently, the Dodgers' current strategy focuses on managing his pain to a tolerable level rather than aiming for complete eradication of the injury at this stage. Despite this, the team is hesitant to place him on the injured list.

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It's a difficult question, and I understand why people would think that. But his condition has actually improved significantly over the past few weeks, and he's still a player who makes a huge contribution to the team.

Roberts described the decision to bench Ohtani for rest as a complex one, understanding the public's desire for him to take time off. However, he pointed out Ohtani's significant improvement over the past few weeks and his continued substantial contribution to the team. The manager highlighted the challenge of overriding Ohtani's own assessment of his ability to play, especially when considering the general health of players in the league. Continuous communication remains key, with Ohtani aware of the importance of upcoming games and his role on the team.

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If we completely take away his decision-making power and tell him to stop playing, it's not easy. Ohtani feels he can still play. Of course, he's not 100% healthy, but how many players in this league are truly 100% healthy?