Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is navigating a noticeable offensive slump and underlying physical concerns as the regular season enters its final weeks, prompting manager Dave Roberts to evaluate the superstar’s workload and immediate physical condition.
Dave Roberts Addresses Physical Concerns Behind Ohtani’s Recent Plate Struggles
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that he has noticed his superstar designated hitter looking physically off following a rare, difficult night at the plate. Fabian Ardaya reported Roberts’ postgame comments on X, with the Dodgers manager describing what he has recently observed from the two-way star as “the tip of the iceberg” and indicating plans to speak directly with Ohtani regarding his physical state.
Ohtani has been managing knee troubles over the past two months, which has kept him off the pitching mound since July 3. While the Dodgers have deemed him healthy enough to remain an everyday fixture in the batting order, his offensive production has dipped significantly. Since August 18, Ohtani has posted an unsightly .545 OPS, going 7-for-51 during that span. Following the Wednesday loss to St. Louis, Roberts noted that the recent plate appearances do not reflect the player’s usual caliber, pointing to physical compensation as a primary factor in the downturn.
“[We will] really try to figure out where he’s at physically. Clearly the swings aren’t who he is.”
Balancing Regular Season Workload and Postseason Readiness
Despite the offensive slide and apparent physical discomfort, Roberts downplayed the likelihood of placing Ohtani on the injured list. Instead, the organization is expected to explore workload management strategies, carving out additional rest opportunities for the 32-year-old designated hitter as October approaches.
Entering the final stretch of the schedule, the Dodgers hold a comfortable cushion in the National League West. Los Angeles entered Thursday with an 82-57 record, maintaining a nine-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks with 23 games remaining in the regular season. This divisional lead provides the team with operational flexibility to rotate players through the lineup and rest key contributors without severely compromising their standing.
Through 129 games this season, Ohtani has maintained elite overall numbers despite recent challenges, batting .279 with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs. However, the convergence of his ongoing knee management and a late-August offensive deceleration makes close monitoring essential as the club prepares for the rigors of postseason play.
The Road Ahead for the National League West Leaders
The Dodgers are currently navigating a minor rough patch, having dropped consecutive games to the St. Louis Cardinals during their current series. Even so, the depth of the roster allows the coaching staff to absorb temporary lulls in production while evaluating physical limitations across the lineup.
As Roberts and the training staff gather more information on Ohtani’s status, decisions regarding intermittent rest days will likely shape the final weeks of September. Maintaining the health of their premier offensive weapon remains the top priority for a franchise aiming to convert a dominant regular-season campaign into a deep October run. How do you think the Dodgers should handle Ohtani’s playing time down the stretch? Share your thoughts below.
