The Los Angeles Dodgers did not include two-way star Shohei Ohtani in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Seattle Mariners due to lingering soreness in his left knee. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani wanted to play, but the team decided to rest him. Ohtani reported renewed soreness to the training staff after Wednesday night's 4-2 win.
"I appreciate the communication," Roberts said. "I can't read minds, the training staff can't read minds, so just for him to communicate that then allows for us to make a decision."
Second baseman Tommy Edman was set to bat leadoff in Ohtani's place in the series finale.
Ohtani has been dealing with knee soreness since June 11 and hasn't pitched since July 3 while also dealing with a right biceps issue. He skipped the All-Star Game in Philadelphia to stay home and receive a lubricant injection in the knee.
He is still serving as the designated hitter. Ohtani was 5 for 7 combined in his last two games against the Mariners, with a home run, four RBIs and two runs scored.
"The last couple days he's been on base a lot more whereas the last part of the road trip he wasn't, so there might have been a little something to that," Roberts said, adding that nothing occurred in the game Wednesday to precipitate Ohtani sitting out the next day.
The Dodgers expect Ohtani to return to pitching this season, but they're not rushing him back to the mound.