Dodgers manager Dave Roberts informed Shohei Ohtani via text that he wouldn’t be in Thursday’s lineup against the Cardinals. Ohtani replied with a salute emoji, indicating his understanding. “At the end of the day, he wants to play,” Roberts stated. “But I won’t play him just because of his jersey.”

As Ohtani deals with ongoing pain in his right biceps and left knee, this might be an ongoing dilemma. Although Roberts deems an injured list placement “unlikely,” Ohtani’s health brings uncertainty to the team’s plans.

The Dodgers struggle to finalize their rotation with questions about whether Ohtani will pitch again this season. Offensively, the team isn’t at its best as Ohtani deals with a slump. He has had only two hits in his last six games, hitting .241 in August.

Great players always believe their presence matters, even when not fully fit,” Roberts observed. “It’s about balancing the risk of further damage to him and the team.

Ohtani hasn’t spoken to reporters recently, declining twice through a spokesman last weekend. His left knee has hampered his return to pitching with his last start on July 3. Swelling prompted an injection but setbacks have followed. Now, his right biceps causes issues.

Wednesday, Ohtani noted discomfort from his biceps to his neck, Roberts shared. “It’s an ebb-and-flow issue,” general manager Brandon Gomes said, noting similar flares earlier in the season.

Ohtani’s injuries have persisted, yet he hasn’t missed consecutive games or been on the injured list. Gomes emphasized, “Missing ten days without him isn’t something we’ve considered.” He also dismissed linking Ohtani’s hitting struggles directly to his injuries, labeling it seasonal variability.

Giving Ohtani consecutive days off might help. Roberts plans to decide after discussions with Ohtani and the training staff. The choice about Ohtani pitching again this season remains deferred.

Gomes said, “We need to weigh upsides versus downsides in a decision. If better results are achievable without pitching, we’ll consider it.”

Despite limited game data, Ohtani resumed throwing on August 8. In 23 games since, he holds a .704 OPS, marking his toughest offensive month so far.

The trade deadline acquisition of left-hander Tarik Skubal helps ease worries about Ohtani’s pitching return. “Our staff secured a significant deal,” Roberts said. “Adding Skubal spreads the workload and has positively impacted our roster.”