Shohei Ohtani’s latest injury setback has left the Los Angeles Dodgers dealing with more than a hole in their lineup; it has also raised uncomfortable questions about communication between the club and its biggest star.
Ohtani Lands on Injured List After Lingering Issues
Ohtani was placed on the 15-day injured list following weeks of physical problems that included left knee discomfort, right biceps soreness, and more recent arm pain. Los Angeles had repeatedly attempted to manage the situation through rest, but his production declined, and a brief return against the Cincinnati Reds only deepened the concern.
Rosenthal Questions Player Communication
Speaking on Foul Territory, Ken Rosenthal suggested the issue may not be simply whether the Dodgers gave Ohtani too much control over his availability. “Is this a case of a player just having too much control?” Rosenthal asked. “And I don’t know that it is, as much as a player who is not communicating his physical condition well enough to the team.”We’ve seen this over the years with a lot of players who want to stay on the field. They basically lie about their injuries.” Rosenthal was speaking broadly about the way some players minimize physical problems, not establishing that Ohtani intentionally misled the Dodgers.
Roberts Reveals Delayed Injury Report
The concern became more pointed after manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani did not tell the medical staff right away about discomfort he felt during a swing. “There was a swing Monday that he didn’t feel great on, hasn’t totally recovered from Monday,” Roberts said. “So the thought is to give him today and then huddle up with him, the medical staff, and figure out what the next steps.” Those discussions eventually ended with Ohtani going on the IL for the first time this season.
Dodgers Address Communication Directly
Roberts also confirmed the Dodgers had spoken directly with Ohtani about the communication issue. “We did,” Roberts said when asked whether the club had emphasized the need for better communication. “That’s right. We did.”
Ohtani Acknowledges Need for Reflection
Ohtani did not dismiss the concern. “It’s hard to say now with the season still going on,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. “It’s something that I’m going to reflect back on during the offseason. I’m just making sure that I’m focusing on the now and finishing strong.”
Performance Dip and Pitching Uncertainty
Ohtani’s performance had already shown signs that the injuries were affecting him. He went 2-for-26 over his previous seven games and 6-for-52 over a longer stretch, with his swing looking increasingly uncomfortable. He has not pitched since July 3 because of knee issues, and the Dodgers are no longer expecting him back on the mound this season. Because Ohtani is a designated two-way player, he must remain on the IL for at least 15 days; his earliest possible return is September 23.
Dodgers Call Up De Paula, Eye October Return
The Dodgers recalled Josue De Paula from Double-A Tulsa to help cover the absence. At this stage, Los Angeles’ priority is to get Ohtani healthy enough to matter in October.
The larger lesson may be just as important. With a player as competitive and valuable as Ohtani, the Dodgers need complete honesty about how he feels, even when the answer is one he doesn’t want to give.
