Ohtani's Historic Season: 35 HR, ERA 1.79, 300th HR, but Knee Forces Indefinite Pitching Shutdown; Dodgers Prioritize October; MVP Race Now Uncertain
Key Questions
What is the current status of Shohei Ohtani's knee injury?
Ohtani's left knee inflammation has led to him being scratched from his scheduled start and an indefinite shutdown from pitching. He received an Orthovisc injection and has not shown improvement, with discomfort noted when throwing on flat ground.
Why are the Dodgers shutting down Ohtani from pitching?
The Dodgers are prioritizing Ohtani's health for the postseason and October, opting to manage his workload proactively rather than risk further injury. Manager Dave Roberts indicated the return to the mound will take some time.
What are Shohei Ohtani's key stats from this season?
Ohtani has hit 35 home runs, posted a 1.79 ERA with an 8-2 record, a .418 OBP, and .944 OPS, while recording 86 strikeouts and reaching his 300th career home run.
How has Ohtani's injury affected his Cy Young chances?
His Cy Young prospects are now essentially over due to insufficient innings pitched after the shutdown. Ken Rosenthal confirmed the injury update has ended those award hopes.
Who is challenging Ohtani in the NL MVP race?
Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a strong contender and has publicly stated his desire to 'dethrone' Ohtani for the award.
What trade implications does Ohtani's injury have for the Dodgers?
The Dodgers may pursue additional pitching help at the trade deadline, with rumors linking them to targets like Tarik Skubal as a result of the injury.
What happened during Ohtani's recent game against the Yankees?
Ohtani went 2-for-5 with 2 RBI, including an 111 mph double, in the game despite not pitching in the series.
When will Ohtani return to the mound?
There is no set timetable for his return, and his next scheduled start in Philadelphia has been officially scratched following ongoing discomfort.
Shohei Ohtani's knee inflammation has not improved; Roberts says 'has not gotten better.' He will not pitch Wednesday (Jul 22) and return is indefinite. However, a plan is in place: Ohtani will play catch and throw off a mound this weekend, with a timeline of at least a week to 10 days before considering a return to pitching. He received a lubricating injection. The Dodgers are shutting him down from pitching to preserve for October, prioritizing playoffs over Cy Young. Recent pitching decline (4.38 ERA in last 4 starts) aligns with injury. Season: 35 HR, 1.79 ERA, 8-2, .418 OBP, .944 OPS, 86 K, 300th career HR. Cy Young chances are over due to insufficient innings (Ken Rosenthal). On Jul 19, Ohtani had a big day vs Yankees (2-for-5, 2 RBI, 111 mph double). Trade deadline implications: Dodgers may pursue pitching help, with Tarik Skubal rumors. NL MVP race uncertain: Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs has emerged as a threat. Ohtani did not pitch in the Bronx series; next start scratched with no timetable.