Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced on Sunday that Shohei Ohtani was not in the starting lineup due to back tightness, which forced him to leave Saturday's game against the San Diego Padres. However, Roberts indicated that it was a precautionary measure, and Ohtani is expected to return to the lineup on Monday.
Shohei Ohtani's remarkable season took a slight detour on Sunday when the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar was not in the starting lineup against the San Diego Padres due to back tightness. The ailment forced him to exit Saturday's victory over the Padres, and while it raised some initial concerns, manager Dave Roberts downplayed the severity of the issue.
"His back tightened up," Roberts said after Saturday's game. "It was one of those things where I got word before his fourth at-bat that his back tightened up. So, being up 5-0, we didn't want to push it."
Ohtani departed after his fourth at-bat on Saturday, going 0 for 3 with a walk. His final at-bat in the seventh inning resulted in a groundout to the pitcher. He was subsequently replaced by pinch-hitter Kiké Hernández in the ninth.
On Sunday, Roberts provided a more optimistic update on Ohtani's condition, stating that his back was feeling better and that he had participated in some light activity. Roberts had previously expressed "minimal" concern after Saturday's game, and Ohtani himself later confirmed that he went through his normal pregame routine on Sunday and felt fine.
The Dodgers' manager expects Ohtani to return to the lineup on Monday in San Francisco, where Los Angeles will begin a three-game series against the Giants. Ohtani's presence is crucial for the Dodgers, who have relied heavily on his contributions this season.
Despite the brief absence, Ohtani remains one of the most productive players in Major League Baseball. The two-time American League MVP has been tearing it up for the Dodgers since signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the team last December.
This season, Ohtani leads the majors with a 1.090 OPS and is batting an impressive .352, trailing only Cleveland's Steven Kwan (.353). He also boasts 11 home runs and 27 RBIs, both of which rank among the league leaders.
Sunday's absence was only the second time Ohtani was not in the Dodgers' starting lineup this season. He was previously rested for a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 1, a day after striking out three times.
Since that day of rest, Ohtani has been on a tear, batting .429 with four home runs and eight RBIs in eight games. On Monday, he was named National League Player of the Week for his exceptional performance.
Ohtani has been primarily playing as a designated hitter while he continues to fully recover from a second Tommy John surgery. Despite the limitations, he remains an integral part of the Dodgers' lineup and is expected to continue his impressive run once he returns to action.
