The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Sunday that two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will be sidelined from pitching for an extended period due to irritation in his left knee. The 28-year-old Japanese phenom received a lubricant injection in the knee before the All-Star break last week, but has not felt fully recovered, prompting the team to shut him down from mound duty for what manager Dave Roberts described as “weeks, not days.”
Ohtani last pitched on July 3 against the San Diego Padres, throwing 110 pitches over six innings in a solid outing. He has not taken the mound since, missing his scheduled start Wednesday in Philadelphia against the Phillies. The Dodgers opted for caution after Ohtani reported lingering discomfort during the weekend. The injury only affects his pitching mechanics; he continues to serve as the designated hitter and has shown no pain while batting.
A Historic Two-Way Season Halted
Ohtani’s 2024 campaign has been nothing short of legendary, even by his extraordinary standards. On the mound, he owns an 8-2 record with a microscopic 1.79 ERA over 14 starts, striking out 95 batters in 85.2 innings. He has won his last eight decisions, going 6-0 in that span. At the plate, he entered Sunday’s doubleheader with a .289 batting average, 22 home runs, and 58 RBIs. In the first game of the twin bill at Yankee Stadium, he collected a single and a double, driving in two runs to help the Dodgers win 8-2.
The two-way star’s unique skill set has drawn comparisons to Babe Ruth, but Ohtani is arguably more dominant in both roles than Ruth ever was. Ruth stopped pitching after 1919, while Ohtani maintained a full workload until this knee issue arose. This season, Ohtani leads all pitchers in ERA among qualified starters and is among the top 10 in home runs as a hitter. His WAR (Wins Above Replacement) is the highest in baseball, further cementing his case for a third MVP award.
Injury History and Precaution
Knee issues have plagued Ohtani in the past. He underwent surgery on his right knee in 2018 after a collision, and had left knee surgery in 2019. This latest irritation is on the left knee, which he uses to push off during his delivery. The lubricant injection, known as a viscosupplement injection, is designed to reduce friction and improve joint mobility. While not a serious structural injury, the irritation has persisted for over a month, causing the Dodgers to be extra cautious.
“It’s going to take some time before he pitches again,” Roberts told reporters Sunday. “We want to make sure he’s 100% before he gets back on the mound. This is not a day-to-day thing.” The manager hinted that Ohtani could miss two or three weeks of starts, potentially returning in early August. The Dodgers have not placed him on the injured list yet, but they may do so if he needs more time.
Impact on the Dodgers
The Dodgers, who have won back-to-back World Series titles in 2024 and 2025, entered Sunday with the best record in MLB at 62-36, holding a 12-game lead in the National League West. Their rotation depth is tested without Ohtani, but the team has reliable arms like Julio Urías, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May. Nevertheless, losing Ohtani as a starter removes a dominant force who could carry them through the postseason.
Despite the setback, the Dodgers remain the favorites to win a third consecutive championship. Their offense, led by Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, has been among the best in baseball. Ohtani’s ability to hit while not pitching gives them a significant advantage, as he can still contribute daily. However, his absence from the mound means the team will rely more heavily on their bullpen and other starters to cover innings.
The Rarity of Two-Way Players
Ohtani’s injury underscores the physical toll of being a two-way player in the modern era. No one has done what he does since the early 20th century. Even with modern training and medical care, the workload is immense. Pitching requires explosive lower-body mechanics, and any knee issue can disrupt delivery, compromising velocity, control, and risking further injury.
Some have argued that Ohtani should eventually give up pitching to preserve his bat, but the Dodgers have committed to his two-way role, signing him to a record $700 million contract in 2023. That contract includes incentives for pitching milestones, reflecting the value they place on his unique skills. For now, the team will manage his workload carefully, hoping he returns to full strength for the stretch run.
Ohtani’s Historic Career
Shohei Ohtani won the American League MVP in 2021 and 2023, and the National League MVP in 2024 after joining the Dodgers. He is the only player in MLB history to be an All-Star as both a pitcher and hitter in multiple seasons. His .489 slugging percentage and .850 OPS as a hitter, combined with his sub-2.00 ERA as a pitcher, have drawn rave reviews from analysts and fans alike.
“He’s a once-in-a-century talent,” said Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who has been mentoring Ohtani. “We’re lucky to watch him play every day. This knee thing is just a bump in the road. He’ll be back better than ever.”
The Dodgers are expected to update Ohtani’s status in the coming days. For now, he will continue to hit, and the team will use a bullpen day or call up a minor leaguer to fill his turn in the rotation.
Stats and Context
Ohtani’s 2024 pitching line: 14 GS, 85.2 IP, 95 K, 1.79 ERA, 0.95 WHIP. Hitting: .289/.371/.542, 22 HR, 58 RBI, 12 SB. He leads the majors in opponent batting average (.182) and is second in strikeout percentage (30.1%). His 22 home runs rank seventh in the National League.
The Dodgers’ 62-36 record is the best in baseball. They have a +185 run differential, the highest in MLB. Their pitching staff has a collective 3.12 ERA, second only to the Tampa Bay Rays. With Ohtani out, the rotation will need to step up. Urías (10-3, 2.45 ERA) and Gonsolin (9-4, 3.01 ERA) are capable anchors, but the depth behind them is thin.
The team may consider using opener strategies or piggyback starts to cover the innings lost by Ohtani. They also have young prospects like Bobby Miller waiting in the wings. The All-Star break came at an opportune time, giving Ohtani extra rest, but the irritation persisted. The injection was meant to provide relief, but the knee hasn’t responded as hoped.
What’s Next
Ohtani will continue to undergo treatment and strengthening exercises. The team will reassess after the All-Star break when they resume play on Friday against the Mets. If Ohtani doesn’t progress, a stint on the 10-day IL is likely. The Dodgers have a deep roster and are in a comfortable division lead, so they can afford to be patient.
“We’re not going to rush him back,” Roberts said. “We have a long season ahead. Our goal is to have him healthy for October, not just for August. We will do what’s best for Shohei and for the team.”
Ohtani echoed his manager’s sentiments. “I want to be out there, but I know I need to be smart. I’ll work hard and come back stronger.”
The two-way star’s resilience is well-documented. In 2021, he rebounded from an oblique injury to win MVP. In 2023, he played through a blister on his pitching hand. This knee issue is unlikely to derail his season, but it does test the Dodgers’ depth and their ability to win without their ace.
As the trade deadline approaches on July 31, the Dodgers may look to add a starting pitcher to bolster their rotation. They have been linked to several arms, including Lucas Giolito and Marcus Stroman. However, the front office has expressed confidence in their current staff. “We believe in the guys we have,” said general manager Brandon Gomes. “Shohei will be back, and we’ll be fine until then.”
The Dodgers’ offense will need to carry them in the interim. Mookie Betts is having an MVP-caliber season with a .308 average and 25 homers. Freddie Freeman is hitting .320 with 18 homers. The lineup is deep, and opposing pitchers can’t pitch around everyone, even without Ohtani’s bat in the middle of the order.
Defensively, the Dodgers are solid up the middle with Gavin Lux and Chris Taylor. The bullpen has been a strength, featuring Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, and closer Craig Kimbrel (if he’s still around). The team’s depth should allow them to weather Ohtani’s absence without losing ground in the standings.
For Ohtani, the focus is on recovery. He will continue to hit in games, but will not throw batting practice or bullpen sessions until the irritation subsides. The lubricant injection may take another week to fully take effect. If the knee doesn’t improve, an MRI or arthroscopic procedure could be considered, though the team has downplayed that possibility.
The baseball world will be watching closely. Ohtani’s health is crucial for the Dodgers’ championship aspirations and for the excitement of the sport. Having a true two-way player in the prime of his career is a gift that everyone wants to see last.
As of Sunday, the Dodgers had a 12-game lead in the NL West, the largest division lead in MLB. They are on pace to win 108 games. Without Ohtani on the mound, they still have a talented roster, but the margin for error shrinks. The rotation will rely on consistency and health from others. The bullpen will be stretched. The offense will need to produce runs at an elite level.
Ohtani’s absence also affects his personal accolades. He was on pace to win the pitching Triple Crown (wins, ERA, strikeouts) and potentially lead the league in home runs. Those goals are now in jeopardy. However, if he returns quickly and resumes his dominance, he could still capture his third MVP award.
“I’m not thinking about awards. I just want to help my team win,” Ohtani said. “We have a special group here. I will do whatever I can to contribute, even if it’s only hitting.”
That attitude is why he is beloved by fans and teammates. The Dodgers will miss his pitching, but his presence in the lineup is enough to keep them in contention. The coming weeks will test their resolve, but they have overcome adversity before. With a deep, talented team and a superstar who is determined to return, the Dodgers remain the team to beat.
Source:La Presse News