Ohtani's Multiple Ailments Cloud His Return to the Mound

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided updates on Shohei Ohtani, who is dealing with injuries to his knee, biceps, neck, and hip. Ohtani has missed four straight games but could return to the lineup Monday. Roberts suggested time is running out for Ohtani to pitch again this season, possibly limiting him to a relief role if he does.

Ohtani has not pitched since July 3, and with the regular season entering its final weeks, the Dodgers face a narrow window to reintegrate him as a starter. Roberts' comments suggest a relief role is the most realistic path if Ohtani returns to the mound at all this year. The team's comfortable 10-game lead in the NL West provides some flexibility, though recent series losses to Milwaukee and Atlanta have raised questions about the club's offensive consistency beyond Ohtani's production.

The Dodgers hold an 85-57 record and remain positioned for a strong postseason run, but Ohtani's health is central to their ambitions. His absence from the lineup for four consecutive games, combined with multiple simultaneous injuries, underscores how heavily Los Angeles relies on his presence. Rosenthal's expressed concern about the offense further highlights the stakes as the defending champions navigate the final stretch.