"Though it appears Ohtani is weeks from rejoining the rotation, there is an internal concern over his lingering left knee soreness.
Ohtani did not throw a bullpen Saturday at Citi Field, though that session was considered fluid.
The thought was that if Ohtani had recovered from his previous bullpen session Wednesday in Philadelphia, Saturday would be the best day for a second one.
But Ohtani did not feel he was at full strength, and the Dodgers won't push him to throw another one until he feels 100 percent.
Should Ohtani rush a comeback, he risks overcompensating, which could lead to other issues not as treatable as the team believes his knee is," reported Katie Woo of The Athletic.
Dodgers management remains confident that offensive duties will not aggravate the underlying joint irritation during this period.
"From his words, the hitting, the running, as he has done the last couple nights, doesn't affect him," said Roberts.
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"I can only go by what he and the training staff are telling me.
So, unless I hear otherwise, that hitting compromises his health, then I'm going to keep putting him in the lineup."
Roberts reiterated that while missing mound starts is disappointing, the primary target remains full physical health for the postseason push.
"Not having him make these last two starts is a bummer for everyone—for him, especially," said Roberts.
"Offensively, he has been really good. I think he could be better, but he is still an MVP."
