Shohei Ohtani is struggling physically, and it is worth monitoring when observing the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Lately, it seems as if the Los Angeles Dodgers’ chances of three-peating as World Series champions are in jeopardy, and the discussion that needs to be had cannot come at a worse time.
Between Aug. 25 and Sept. 2, the Dodgers went 2-6, and even as they are getting back on track with three wins in a row, the health of their greatest asset is in doubt.
Shohei Ohtani was scratched from Saturday’s game against the Washington Nationals, marking his third straight absence, the first time such a stretch has occurred during his time with the Dodgers. Now, a possible stint on the Injured List is in question.
What's going on?
For Ohtani, the primary issue that has kept him off the mound since early July has been left knee soreness, but he has continued to play through it for the better part of the last two months.
However, biceps discomfort and neck soreness have also been added to the list of ailments for the four-time MVP. According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, Ohtani’s performance in the batting cage on Saturday will be indicative of his standing for Sunday’s series finale against the Nationals.
It is unfortunate timing for Los Angeles because, as Woo also reported, Ohtani was nearing a return to the mound, but the recent issues have prolonged the waiting period. Now, he has not even been able to step into the batter’s box effectively.
The repercussions
Simply put, this is bad news for the Dodgers.
Ohtani, when fully healthy, puts this team over the top. Before his knee forced him off the pitcher's mound, Ohtani was having a season worthy of a Cy Young Award. In 14 starts, he has compiled an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA.
As a hitter, he has reached 30 home runs once again while posting a .279 batting average, a .381 on-base percentage, a .525 slugging percentage and a .906 OPS. That type of superstar two-way production is not something that can be replicated.
However, Ohtani’s bumps and bruises are clearly affecting him and taking him down a peg. In his most recent appearance, he struck out four times.
Without Ohtani at his best, the quest for a third straight ring takes a significant blow. The Dodgers are still a very good team, but the competition in the National League is far too great to rule out another team besting them.
The Dodgers made moves to bolster the roster even further, but can the three big additions of Tarik Skubal, Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz be enough to deliver this team to the promised land if Ohtani is hampered or absent? These are all hypotheticals, and there is still time until October, but some concern is warranted.
