Shohei Ohtani Held Out Of Starting Lineup A Day After Leaving Game With Knee Inflammation

CHICAGO — Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was retired of nan lineup Friday against nan White Sox aft exiting nan crippled earlier pinch discomfort successful nan backmost of his near knee.

Manager Dave Roberts had expressed optimism Thursday night, aft nan Dodgers’ 8-6 triumph against nan Pirates astatine PNC Park, that Ohtani would not miss further clip for nan ailment. But he added: “Obviously pinch nan recreation [to Chicago connected Thursday night], we’ll conscionable benignant of spot really he comes in.”

Especially astatine this constituent successful nan season, nan Dodgers person inducement to play it safe pinch Ohtani’s recovery. Pushing him to return early and exacerbating nan wounded would beryllium a larger rustle to a squad seeking its 3rd consecutive World Series championship.

With Ohtani out, near fielder Alex Call was successful nan leadoff spot, and Santiago Espinal served arsenic nan designated hitter.

It was not instantly clear whether nan wounded would impact Ohtani’s adjacent pitching start. He’s lined up to return nan mound Wednesday against nan Rays, earlier nan Dodgers’ disconnected time Thursday.