Dodgers Uncertain About Ohtani's Playoff Impact Amid Lingering Injuries
Despite hope, Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts acknowledges the team is 'not so sure' what to expect from Shohei Ohtani as he battles right arm and left knee issues.
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the National League Division Series with hope for Shohei Ohtani's performance, but manager Dave Roberts expressed uncertainty about the star player's exact capabilities due to lingering injuries. Roberts stated that while he anticipates Ohtani will elevate his game for the postseason, the team has not seen enough consistent play recently to forecast his impact.
Ohtani, who has been battling injuries to his right arm and left knee, has seen his production affected. He insisted his ailments have improved during the team's recent bye week, describing the period as "productive" for his swing. "I think my swing has gotten better," Ohtani said. "If I can make solid adjustments today, I think I can go into tomorrow in sufficient condition."
However, Roberts reiterated that the four-time MVP is "not 100 percent." Ohtani experienced an 11-for-70 slump in his final 18 regular-season games, including the last five after returning from the injured list. He acknowledged that his injuries will require ongoing management throughout the playoffs, with the need for further offseason treatment uncertain.
Ohtani's injuries have already sidelined him from pitching for the duration of the postseason, limiting him to designated hitter duties since early July. The team now hopes his offensive production will not be diminished.
Hitting coach Aaron Bates suggested that Ohtani is moving past the physical limitations and is now focused on regaining timing. Bates noted Ohtani's performance in recent workouts, including batting practice and intrasquad scrimmages, as promising. "It was as good as I’ve seen it this year," Bates said of the way the ball was coming off Ohtani's bat.
During the bye week, Ohtani participated in multiple on-field batting practices and live at-bats, a rarity for him. He faced teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto in scrimmages, with Roberts jokingly stating that Yamamoto won the matchups, though Ohtani did not strike out.
Despite these positive signs, Ohtani offered tempered expectations for his own performance. "I think I can get closer to the results I want if I can adjust to the atmosphere of the postseason," he said. The true measure of his condition will become clear when Game 1 of the NLDS begins.