Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani to Skip Next Start Amid Knee Inflammation; No Timetable for Return

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani will not make his next scheduled start due to lingering left knee inflammation. The team has not provided a specific timetable for Ohtani's return to the starting rotation, indicating his recovery is not progressing as anticipated.

Ohtani, who recently withdrew from the All-Star Game, received a lubricant injection in his knee. While his condition has not worsened, Roberts explained that it "hasn't gotten better," prompting the decision to postpone his start against the Philadelphia Phillies. The team aims to give him more rest to fully address the issue.

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I don't know, he has to start throwing a ball again, and then we'll see.

The Dodgers plan for Ohtani to resume throwing drills, starting with catch play, on Thursday or Friday, depending on his physical condition. His progress will dictate the next steps in his rehabilitation.

Before this setback, Ohtani had a strong season on the mound, posting an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts, logging 85.2 innings with 95 strikeouts. His performance highlights the impact of his current absence on the pitching staff.

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This is all to give him the best chance to get over this thing completely.