The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a significant decision regarding two-way star Shohei Ohtani, who missed his third consecutive game on Saturday due to injuries in his left knee and right biceps. This marks the longest stretch Ohtani has been out of the lineup since joining the Dodgers.
Under Major League Baseball rules, injured list stints can be backdated up to three days. If Ohtani is not ready to play by Sunday, the Dodgers could place him on the injured list, counting the previous days toward the minimum required absence. As a two-way player, Ohtani is subject to a minimum 15-day stint on the injured list, compared to the 10-day minimum for typical position players.
This duration could be a factor in the team's hesitation. If placed on the IL by Sunday, Ohtani would not be eligible to return until September 18, with only nine games remaining in the regular season.
The Dodgers have not placed Ohtani on the injured list for two main reasons. Firstly, he has been playing through injuries for much of the year, with his performance only noticeably impacted in his last 12 games, a stretch that included a four-strikeout performance on Wednesday where he showed visible pain. The team's current stance is that his ailments are not severe enough to prevent him from playing in the coming weeks. Secondly, there is uncertainty about whether an extended break on the IL would significantly improve Ohtani's physical condition, as his injuries have lingered and are likely to persist throughout the remainder of the year. If substantial improvement is not expected, the team may benefit from allowing him to continue playing while trying to regain his form.
For now, the Dodgers' priority is preventing Ohtani's condition from worsening, leading manager Dave Roberts to describe his status as day-to-day. This approach meant keeping Ohtani out of the lineup on Saturday. His potential return date remains uncertain.