The Los Angeles Dodgers are weighing all options for Shohei Ohtani's health management, including a potential injured list stint, as the star player continues to deal with right arm issues that have kept him out of action for most of the past week.
Ohtani was absent from the lineup on Wednesday night, marking the sixth time in seven games that the two-way player has been sidelined. The recurring nature of the absences has raised concerns about the severity of his arm condition and whether rest alone will be sufficient for recovery.
Manager Dave Roberts addressed the situation directly, indicating that the organization is not ruling out any course of action. "Anything should be on the table," Roberts told ESPN, when asked about the possibility of placing Ohtani on the injured list.
The comment signals a shift in the Dodgers' approach to managing Ohtani's condition. While the team has thus far opted for day-to-day rest rather than a formal IL designation, the frequency of missed games suggests that a longer-term solution may be necessary to ensure the player's health for the remainder of the season.
An injured list placement would require Ohtani to miss a minimum period of games, but could provide the extended recovery time needed to address the arm issues comprehensively. The decision carries significant implications for the Dodgers as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season and prepare for postseason competition.
The nature and severity of Ohtani's right arm condition have not been fully disclosed by the organization. The cautious approach reflects the team's awareness of the player's value and the need to prioritize long-term health over short-term availability.
