Dodgers Exec Reflects on Ohtani's Injury Management

Los Angeles Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged that the team's handling of Shohei Ohtani's injuries this season involved constant monitoring, but admitted that Ohtani's own assessment of his health might have been a complicating factor.

Friedman stated that the Dodgers checked in with Ohtani "on a daily basis, a weekly basis" to track his condition as he managed both pitching and hitting duties. This oversight intensified in the middle of the season when Ohtani began experiencing left knee and right arm issues. These concerns ultimately led to the decision to remove him from the pitching rotation in early July, though he continued as the designated hitter while attempting to ramp up his pitching program.

The situation reached a critical point two weeks prior to the article's publication when a visibly affected Ohtani was placed on the injured list amidst a significant batting slump. This also ended any possibility of him returning to the mound for the remainder of the season. Ohtani has since been activated from the injured list for the Dodgers' postseason push, with hopes that he can regain his offensive form.

"The most important thing is how much better he feels," Friedman told reporters, noting that Ohtani's return to the lineup offered encouraging signs. "Now, it’s about continuing that as he takes game-intensity at-bats."

Friedman avoided assigning blame for the circumstances that led to Ohtani's physical struggles. He did not second-guess the decision to allow Ohtani to play through injuries or Ohtani's own desire to push through pain. Friedman recalled Ohtani's consistent response when discussing his usage: "whatever it takes to help the team win."

However, Friedman did highlight a dynamic where Ohtani may not have been entirely forthcoming about the extent of his physical deterioration. "He’s not always the best reporter of how he feels," Friedman observed, comparing Ohtani to other dedicated athletes like Freddie Freeman and Clayton Kershaw, who he said sometimes downplay their ailments.

Friedman expressed respect for Ohtani's commitment to playing, understanding that Ohtani believed his best contribution was to be on the field. He suggested that Ohtani might have underestimated the severity of his condition, though he also noted that Ohtani never received diagnoses beyond inflammation in his knee and arm.

"Again, the communication back and forth has been awesome," Friedman added. "The fully sharing exactly how he’s feeling, maybe not as awesome."

The team aims to provide Ohtani with as many at-bats as possible to help him regain rhythm and timing, though his participation in all remaining games before the postseason is not guaranteed. Friedman indicated that the team would continue daily check-ins to manage Ohtani's health leading into the playoffs, stating, "He was in a good enough spot to help us win, and we agreed with that."