Shohei Ohtani is set to make his scheduled start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, and the Dodgers say the left knee issue that briefly interrupted his recent run has cleared up.
Manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that the swelling in Ohtani’s knee had “completely dissipated,” clearing the way for the two-way star to take the mound again. It will be his first start since leaving last Thursday’s game in Pittsburgh because of left knee inflammation.
What Roberts Saw Before the Start
Roberts said Ohtani was already back to light throwing work and looked comfortable while preparing for the outing. “I saw that he had just a catch-play right now,” Roberts said, adding that Ohtani would do his mound routine later in the day.
He also noted the timing is not ideal because Wednesday’s game is an early afternoon start, but said Ohtani will get what rest he can before taking the field. “He likes his sleep,” Roberts said. “It’s certainly not ideal, but the calendar is the calendar.”
Why The Dodgers Are Still Watching Closely
Roberts said the club would monitor anyone with a potential red flag, but stressed that Ohtani would not be sent out if the Dodgers believed he was at risk. “He wouldn’t start if we felt that we were going to put him in harm’s way,” Roberts said. “He’s a competitor.”
Roberts was undecided on whether Ohtani would also bat in the game. In his most recent pitching start last Wednesday, Ohtani allowed four runs, three earned, in 6⅔ innings in a 9-8 loss to Pittsburgh.
The Dodgers’ update comes after Ohtani sat out the next day’s game against the White Sox in Chicago, then returned for Saturday’s game. ESPN reported the latest status update as the club prepared for the Rays matchup.
Other Dodgers News On Tuesday
Tommy Edman was reinstated by the Dodgers after offseason ankle surgery and is expected to make his season debut soon, though he was not in the starting lineup Tuesday night.
Edman, who won 2024 NLCS MVP honors during the Dodgers’ championship run, said his recovery moved forward steadily even if it took longer than he expected. Santiago Espinal was designated for assignment.
