The Los Angeles Dodgers are opting for a day-to-day approach with Shohei Ohtani as he continues to manage right biceps and left knee issues. General manager Brandon Gomes indicated that Ohtani's condition has not reached a point where placing him on the injured list is necessary.

"I’m not sure it’s like an IL-worthy thing right now," Gomes said Thursday. "Nothing has indicated that it should be an IL at this point."

Despite this assessment, manager Dave Roberts has acknowledged that Ohtani has appeared to be struggling, noting a slump over the past couple of weeks. Gomes elaborated on the club's decision-making process, suggesting that it's difficult to predict the exact recovery timeline for an IL stint. Roberts has previously stated that Ohtani may not reach 100% for the remainder of the season and will need to adapt.

"Could there be? Yes. Could there not be? Yes," Gomes said regarding the potential benefit of sidelining Ohtani. "I think it’s just really hard to say, ‘Hey, we’re gonna knock something out in X amount of days.’"

The team plans to continue monitoring Ohtani's condition closely. "We are just continuing to monitor it and make sure it’s not inhibiting performance," Gomes added, emphasizing that there are no current long-term concerns.

Roster Moves and Prospects

The Dodgers' pitching staff is also managing other injury situations. Emmet Sheehan, who has shown recent improvement in Triple-A with a 1.50 ERA and 24 strikeouts in four starts this month, is being considered for a return to the major league rotation. Sheehan was named Pacific Coast League pitcher of the month after allowing just one run over his last three starts.

Sheehan's potential call-up is timely due to Eric Lauer's elbow injury and Roki Sasaki being on the injured list. With Justin Wrobleski in the bullpen and Gavin Stone still rehabbing, Sheehan is seen as a logical candidate to fill a rotation spot. This provides a potential opportunity for the 26-year-old right-hander, who struggled earlier in the season with a 5.29 ERA in 20 MLB starts.

Player and Pitcher of the Week

First baseman Freddie Freeman ended a career-long 47-game home run drought this week with a home run on Wednesday. Despite the lack of power, Freeman had maintained a .315 batting average over that period. The team will likely rely on his increased power output as the playoffs approach.

Pitcher Tyler Glasnow delivered an encouraging performance in his second start back from injury, pitching seven innings and allowing only one run against the Detroit Tigers. With Ohtani's pitching status uncertain and other starters dealing with injuries, Glasnow's strong outing is seen as a positive sign for the team's postseason rotation plans. Glasnow is expected to be the team's No. 4 starter in the playoffs.