Shohei Ohtani Sidelined with Biceps and Neck Issues After 8-6 Loss

Shohei Ohtani remains out of the Dodgers' lineup for a weekend series opener against the Nationals following a four-strikeout performance.

Shohei Ohtani remained absent from the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting lineup on Friday, marking his second consecutive game on the bench due to persistent right biceps and neck issues. This medical scratch occurred for the series opener against the Washington Nationals, following a Thursday finale where he was also unavailable. The physical setback became evident during an 8-6 defeat to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, a 10-inning marathon where the designated hitter struck out four times.

Key details

Manager Dave Roberts initiated the benching via a text message sent to the two-way star following the Wednesday loss. Ohtani acknowledged the instruction with an emoji salute, signaling his agreement with the medical staff's assessment. Roberts confirmed that the player admitted to feeling discomfort, stating that the athlete recognized the necessity of the break. The training department continues to monitor the specific tension reported in the player's neck and right arm.

While the Dodgers have not yet placed their $700 million asset on the shelf, the prospect of an Injured List stint remains under discussion. Roberts characterized a potential IL move as unlikely but not impossible, noting that the symptoms have failed to dissipate over the last several weeks. The slugger’s offensive production has cooled, leaving his batting average at .279 after he suffered four punchouts in a single contest for the first time this season.

On the mound, the Japanese international has been inactive since July 3, a hiatus spanning over a month. His pitching shutdown is attributed to a dual diagnosis involving the right biceps strain and lingering soreness in his left knee. Before these ailments halted his throwing program, the right-hander posted an 8-2 record complemented by a 1.79 ERA through 14 starts. His most recent high-intensity activity occurred last Friday, consisting of a 20-pitch bullpen session designed to test his mechanics.

Latest developments

Plans for a scheduled start in Detroit, which was supposed to take place two days after that bullpen work, were officially scrapped by the organization. The front office is currently waiting for the player to complete a successful throwing progression before they even consider a return to the rotation. Roberts emphasized that without a return to the mound for practice sessions, the team cannot establish a firm timeline for his next start.

The medical evaluation process remains fluid as the Dodgers navigate a critical stretch of the schedule without their primary power hitter. The coaching staff is prioritizing long-term health over immediate availability, especially given the lack of improvement in the neck area. Every day, the training staff reassesses the range of motion in Ohtani's right arm to determine if he can at least return to the batting order as a pinch-hitter.

Statistical analysis of his recent plate appearances suggests the physical limitations are impacting his swing path and timing. The four strikeouts against St. Louis represented a rare lack of contact for a player who had been leading the league in several offensive categories earlier in the summer. The Dodgers' internal metrics showed a slight dip in exit velocity during that 10-inning game, further validating the decision to mandate rest.

As the weekend series against Washington progresses, the Dodgers will rely on their depth to fill the void in the second spot of the order. The team has not indicated whether Ohtani will travel for the upcoming road trip or remain in Los Angeles for intensive physical therapy. For now, the day-to-day status remains the official designation, pending a breakthrough in his recovery from the biceps inflammation. The organization remains cautious, ensuring that no further damage occurs to the left knee which has complicated his landing mechanics during his pitching motion.