Ohtani skips bullpen session before start; Roberts explains

Shohei Ohtani, the star pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has raised questions after skipping his scheduled bullpen session ahead of his anticipated start against the Tampa Bay Rays. Instead of his typical pre-game routine, which includes bullpen work, Ohtani was observed engaging only in long toss during his warm-ups.

This deviation from his usual preparation has fueled speculation among fans and media. Ohtani was slated to pitch on June 18th, and the unusual step of bypassing the bullpen has led to curiosity about his physical condition or any specific strategic adjustments being made.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the situation, providing clarification on Ohtani's modified workout. Roberts' explanation aimed to alleviate concerns and offer insight into the decision-making process behind Ohtani's pre-game routine. The specifics of Roberts' statement were not detailed in the provided text but were presented as the reason for the skipped session.