Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup on Friday night against the Boston Red Sox after missing one game because of soreness in his left knee. However, questions remain about how the team should manage its biggest star as the regular season enters its most important stretch.

Ohtani was not in the lineup Thursday night after reporting increased soreness in the knee Wednesday.

According to Dodger Blue, manager Dave Roberts said that the Dodgers’ training staff recommended giving the two-way superstar a night off in hopes that the additional rest would help.

The issue had previously been viewed primarily as something that affected Ohtani while pitching.

“I’m trying to restrain or forecast what’s going to happen, as opposed to just reading and reacting,” Roberts explained.

“Yeah, three days ago we had an off day and to say there’s some soreness, certainly is different than what we’ve done. So is it a trend? I hope not. But if it is, we’ve just got to manage it.”

Although he resumed his role as the Dodgers’ designated hitter on Friday night, speculation continues over whether placing him on the 10-day Injured List might be the wiser long-term decision.

Throughout Ohtani’s time in Los Angeles, the Dodgers have generally trusted him to help guide decisions regarding his health.

Whether dealing with his sore left knee or a previous right biceps issue, the organization has largely deferred to Ohtani’s understanding of his own body.

That approach mirrors last season, when he essentially completed a rehabilitation process while pitching at the MLB level instead of making traditional rehab appearances.

Roberts explained that he is trying to evaluate each situation as it develops rather than assuming the soreness represents a larger trend.

While acknowledging that Ohtani reporting discomfort only days after an off day was different from previous situations, Roberts expressed hope that it would not become an ongoing issue. If it does, he said, the Dodgers will simply have to continue managing it.

Roberts also declined to commit to placing Ohtani on the Injured List.

He explained that although he understands why people would suggest additional rest, Ohtani’s condition has improved significantly over the last several weeks and he continues performing at a high level.

Roberts emphasized that very few players are completely healthy during the season and said it is difficult to remove that decision from a veteran who understands both his body and his importance to the team.

Ultimately, Roberts said the Dodgers will continue relying on honest communication from Ohtani.

He noted that neither he nor the training staff can know exactly how the player feels unless Ohtani communicates openly. He added that such conversations allow the organization to determine when rest becomes necessary.

Ohtani’s professionalism has long been one of the qualities most admired throughout MLB. He approaches preparation with exceptional discipline while maintaining the routines required to succeed as both a hitter and pitcher.

Another defining characteristic is his honesty regarding his physical condition. The Dodgers have repeatedly emphasized the importance of communication. And Ohtani has earned their trust by openly discussing how he feels rather than attempting to hide discomfort.

His competitiveness is equally well known. Ohtani consistently wants to remain in the lineup and contribute, but he also understands the larger objective of helping the Dodgers compete for another World Series.

That combination of accountability, preparation, and self-awareness has become just as important to Los Angeles as the extraordinary talent he displays on the field.