Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani still dealing with knee injury ahead of Rays start

Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to take the mound in Wednesday’s contest between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays. However, hours before the start of the game, Ohtani received an injury update regarding his knee issue, as it appears it is still bothering him.

Reports indicate that the 31-year-old right-hander is still dealing with inflammation in his left knee, according to David Vassegh, the host of “Dodger Talk.” Ohtani is going to push through and play through the injury.

“Shohei Ohtani’s left knee inflammation is not behind him, but will be managed moving forward, per Dave Roberts,” reported Vassegh.

The plan is for the four-time MVP to start Wednesday’s game, but he will not hit, per Katie Woo of The Athletic. That should give Ohtani some extra time to heal from the knee inflammation he is experiencing.

“Ohtani will start tomorrow, but he won’t DH, Dave Roberts confirms,” reported Woo.

Shohei Ohtani is playing at a Cy Young Award level this season on the mound. He is entering this start with a 1.06 ERA and 0.84 WHIP with 73 strikeouts through 67.2 innings pitched. He has been a major reason why the Dodgers’ pitching has played so well so far this season.

His presence at the plate has also been impressive. While he won’t be hitting against the Rays on Wednesday, Ohtani currently owns a .297 batting average and leads the NL with a .419 OBP, while recording 76 hits, 15 home runs, and 42 RBIs. Ohtani has also totaled six stolen bases.

With Shohei Ohtani not hitting, the Dodgers will rely on Miguel Rojas in the designated hitter spot. Tommy Edmond will lead off with Andy Pages hitting in the second spot.

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