Shohei Ohtani will sit out Saturday's game against the San Diego Padres after experiencing right biceps tightness during the Dodgers' 4-3 comeback victory on Friday.
Ohtani served as both starting pitcher and leadoff hitter before being replaced in the seventh inning.
He said through interpreter Will Ireton that the tightness is in the same location he felt a couple of months ago, and it resolved quickly then.
“On the swing, I did feel it, but I was able to play through it,” Ohtani said. “I can always play, and my desire is to always play.
I feel good enough to be able to do so.”
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the removal was precautionary. “He's a quick healer, and finds a way to get back,” Roberts said.
“But I do think that for us to read and react and hear what his body is telling him is really important, given the toll it takes on his body to be a two-way player.”
Roberts added that the team will assess whether Ohtani needs additional time off after Saturday. “Obviously, we're not going to make that decision right now.
But anything should be on the table, certainly.”
The Dodgers secured the win after Teoscar Hernandez hit a go-ahead grand slam in the seventh inning, extending their lead in the National League West to 14 games.
Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth expressed frustration after a late-inning defensive error. “I lost this game.
Simple as that,” he said.
Padres pitcher Adrian Morejón, who gave up the home run, said: “Obviously, it's frustrating.
You're talking about a bullpen that everybody relies on, and unfortunately today it was my day that it hit me.”
Padres pitcher Michael King, who threw six scoreless innings, said simply: “Fine. Didn't win the game.”
Padres manager Craig Stammen commended King's performance and remained optimistic. “They're testing how we can handle the failures of the season and if we can come back.
And I like the attitude of this team. I think we will come back.
Right now, it stinks. It feels very awful.
It's a gut punch, but we've got to bounce back tomorrow and play our best game.”
