Shohei Ohtani out of Dodgers' lineup for Friday's game vs. White Sox due to left knee inflammation

Shohei Ohtani is not in the lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers' matchup with the Chicago White Sox on Friday.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters (including the California Post's Jack Harris) that Ohtani had imaging exams performed on his knee, and no damage was found.

Advertisement

The four-time MVP's availability for Saturday is uncertain, but Roberts said he hopes Ohtani will be able to play this weekend. Otherwise, Ohtani is expected to pitch as usual for the Dodgers on Wednesday versus the Tampa Bay Rays.

Ohtani left Thursday's 8-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the seventh inning due to left knee inflammation. Following the game, Roberts said Ohtani felt discomfort in his knee/hamstring area while running on a stolen base attempt.

The team decided to pull him from the game as a "proactive" measure. But Roberts said that his level of concern was "not high" and that there was a good chance Ohtani would be in Friday's lineup. Obviously, the team ultimately decided it would be better for him to sit out.

Advertisement

In 63 games this season, Ohtani is batting .305/.421/.543 with 13 home runs, 15 doubles, 40 RBI and 6 stolen bases. He leads the National League with a .946 OPS in 298 plate appearances.

Santiago Espinal is starting for L.A. at designated hitter in Friday's lineup. The utility infielder, who bats right-handed, has a .250/.259/.365 slash line in 56 PAs.

Elsewhere in the Dodgers' batting order, Chuckie Robinson will get the start at catcher and bat ninth. Dalton Rushing started the previous four games behind the plate for Will Smith, who was placed on the injured list on Thursday.