The Los Angeles Dodgers have spent much of the season balancing championship expectations with an ever-growing list of pitching concerns, and the latest update on Shohei Ohtani only adds another layer of uncertainty. While Ohtani remains one of the game’s most dangerous hitters, his return to the mound has once again been delayed, raising fresh questions about how aggressive the Dodgers may become before the MLB trade deadline.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani will not make his scheduled start against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday because of lingering inflammation in his left knee. The issue has been present for weeks, dating back to a June 11 start in Pittsburgh, and Ohtani has not pitched since July 3. Roberts’ comments suggested the club is taking a cautious approach rather than expecting a quick turnaround.
“We just want to continue to give (the knee) the best chance to get into a good spot,” Roberts said, according to reports. He later added that Ohtani’s absence would not be considered a day-to-day situation, indicating the Dodgers are preparing for a longer stretch without one of their most valuable arms.
Rotation Already Facing Challenges
That creates a difficult situation for a rotation that is already operating without two major contributors. Tyler Glasnow has been sidelined since early May with back spasms and is reportedly still limited to throwing fastballs as he works toward a return. Blake Snell, meanwhile, recently underwent a procedure to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. If his recovery continues on schedule, he could be back in early August, but until then, the Dodgers remain short on dependable starting pitching.
The combination of injuries has forced Los Angeles to rely on its depth more than expected. While the club has managed to remain near the top of the National League standings, the lack of certainty surrounding several key starters makes every update increasingly significant as the regular season moves into its final months.
MLB Trade Deadline Plans Could Shift
The timing of Ohtani’s setback is particularly notable with the MLB trade deadline approaching. Los Angeles has rarely hesitated to pursue impact talent when a championship opportunity is within reach, and another frontline starter could now become an even greater priority. Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has frequently surfaced in trade speculation, although any deal for a pitcher of that caliber would almost certainly require a significant package of prospects. Whether it is Skubal or another established starter, the Dodgers may now have stronger motivation to make a major addition.
The organization also has to consider Ohtani’s overall workload. After throwing just 47 innings last season while recovering from elbow surgery, he has already logged 85.2 innings this year. Managing his health for the postseason may ultimately outweigh any short-term benefit of rushing him back into the rotation. Keeping Ohtani available as both a hitter and, potentially, a postseason pitcher is likely to remain the club’s primary objective.
Eyes on October
Despite the pitching questions, the Dodgers continue to hold one of the National League’s best records. Entering Sunday’s action, they sat only one game ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers in the race for the league’s top seed, making every game increasingly important as October approaches.
Ohtani will still provide his usual offensive production as the designated hitter, but his absence from the rotation changes the equation for Los Angeles. With multiple starters still working their way back from injury and the postseason race tightening, the Dodgers may have little choice but to explore the market for another high-end arm before the trade deadline arrives.
