Ohtani Pitching Delay
Shohei Ohtani Postpones Next Pitching Start Due to Left Knee Injection, Dodgers Adjust Rotation
Anonymous
Shohei Ohtani has been pulled from the Dodgers' pitching rotation indefinitely due to left knee pain, with no clear timeline for his return to the mound. Manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Ohtani will be out of the starting rotation for "some time," according to LA Times.
Ohtani received an injection of Orthovisc — a gel-like fluid used to lubricate joints — in his left knee to treat the pain. The injury is caused by the stress of landing on the leg during his pitching motion, Press Enterprise reported.
Roberts Rules Out Season Shutdown for Ohtani
Dave Roberts addressed the situation directly, saying he does not plan to shut Ohtani down from pitching for the rest of the season. But he could not say when Ohtani would return. The team is giving him time to let the knee respond to the injection, according to Daily News.
Orthovisc injections typically take one to several weeks to take effect. The Dodgers are monitoring how Ohtani's knee responds before setting a return date. Roberts said he wants Ohtani back on the mound — but only when he is healthy enough to pitch effectively, OC Register reported.
Emmet Sheehan Steps In to Fill Ohtani's Spot
To cover Ohtani's open slot in the rotation, the Dodgers moved right-hander Emmet Sheehan's start to Monday. Sheehan will take on the role while Ohtani heals, according to Daily Breeze.
For Sunday's doubleheader, Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the mound in the first game. The Dodgers are shuffling their rotation to stay competitive while they wait on Ohtani, Press Telegram reported.
Knee Pain Adds to Ohtani's Complex Two-Way Season
Ohtani is one of baseball's rarest players — he both pitches and hits at an elite level. That dual role puts extreme strain on his body. The landing impact from pitching puts repeated stress on his left knee every time he takes the mound.
The Dodgers signed Ohtani to a record 10-year, $700 million deal. Keeping him healthy is a top priority for the team. Any extended absence from pitching could affect both the team's rotation depth and Ohtani's broader value as a two-way star, according to LA Times.
Sentiment
NeutralNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
6
Articles
4
Reach
6
A
AnonymousAuthor