Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was held out of Thursday's series finale against the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium because of persistent soreness in his left knee.
The designated hitter reported renewed discomfort after Wednesday's 4-2 win over Seattle.
Although Ohtani wanted to play, team medical staff and management decided to give him a day off to avoid further strain.
Manager Dave Roberts stressed the importance of communication with players about physical issues during a long season.
"I appreciate him saying that there's some soreness to then allow me to make a decision for what is in his best interest, and that's what we're doing," Roberts said.
Roberts noted that the training staff relies heavily on player feedback when monitoring lingering injuries.
"I appreciate the communication.
I can't read minds, the training staff can't read minds, so just for him to communicate that then allows for us to make a decision," he added.
Ohtani has dealt with left knee inflammation since June 11 and has not pitched since July 3.
His pitching progression was also delayed by recent right biceps discomfort, and he skipped the All-Star Game in Philadelphia to receive a lubricating Orthovisc injection.
Despite his absence from the mound, where he has a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts over 85 2/3 innings, Ohtani has remained productive at the plate.
In 36 games since the knee injury, he has hit . 263 with 10 home runs and 25 RBIs.
Team officials remain optimistic about Ohtani's long-term health and potential return to pitching later this season, noting that structural scans show positive signs.
"If there was something structural, then we would be much more concerned.
The fact that there's not and the fact that it does keep improving suggests that we're on the right path," said Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations.
Although shutting Ohtani down completely is not currently under consideration, the team is continuously evaluating his workload as he reaches base frequently.
"We're talking about this constantly, and nothing should be off the table, and nothing is set in stone.
It's more of how he feels. … With this new information, we've got to have different conversations," Roberts said.
In a separate comment, Roberts stressed that discussions remain fluid.
"We're talking about this constantly. Nothing should be off the table and nothing is set in stone.
So I think it's more of how he feels. With this new information we've got to have new conversations," he said.
The Dodgers hope Ohtani can resume a throwing routine in the coming days as they prepare for an upcoming series against the Boston Red Sox.
"He has been doing the plyos consistently.
Hopefully this weekend at some point or early next week, he'll start throwing, playing catch again and building up," Roberts said.
Looking ahead, Roberts indicated that Ohtani's availability will be managed on a day-to-day basis depending on how his body responds after rest.
"After tonight's day off, he could come back and feel refreshed and play the next, call it four or five, before the next off-day, or feel after three games that [he's] a little sore again and need a blow," he said.
With Ohtani sidelined for the finale, Tommy Edman stepped into the leadoff spot while Teoscar Hernández moved to designated hitter duties.
