Shohei Ohtani was not in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Seattle Mariners on Thursday.
The designated hitter experienced renewed soreness in his left knee.
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Manager Dave Roberts chose to rest the four-time MVP rather than let him play through discomfort.
“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.
Ohtani was still available as a pinch-hitter for the series finale. Roberts expects him to return to full duties soon.
“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,” Roberts added.
Teoscar Hernandez took over as designated hitter, and Tommy Edman led off in Ohtani's place.
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Ohtani has been dealing with left knee inflammation since July 3, which has kept him from pitching.
He received a lubricating injection in his knee during the All-Star break.
His return to the mound was further delayed when the Dodgers reported right biceps discomfort on Tuesday.
Before these issues, Ohtani had a 1.79 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts in 85.2 innings over 14 starts.
Roberts said Ohtani has been doing plyometric work consistently. He hopes Ohtani will start throwing again this weekend or early next week.
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The Dodgers are preparing Ohtani for a full pitching workload by October as they chase a third consecutive championship.
