Dodgers fans got a scare last night when the superstar slugger Shohei Ohtani was taken out in the ninth inning of yesterday's game against San Diego. Fortunately, manager Dave Roberts told reporters (incl Jack Harris of the LA Times) that while Ohtani left the game due to back strain, the club's concerns about the issue are “minimal” at this time. Roberts said he'll see how the 29-year-old feels but was willing to give him a day off to sort out the problem.
All eyes around the baseball world were on Ohtani this past winter as he signed a record-breaking 10-year deal with the Dodgers that guaranteed him $700MM, although major setbacks limited the deal's current value to just $460MM. . While Ohtani won't show off his two-hitting skills this season after undergoing elbow surgery last year, an early return to that deal won't be better as he slashed .352/.423/.667 in his first 40 games as a major leaguer. The Dodger. So far this season, Ohtani leads the majors in hits, doubles, slugging percentage, and OPS while also leading the National League in batting average and hitting 11 home runs in just 183 outings. on the plate.
Given the way Ohtani has been hitting this season, even a brief absence could have a significant impact on the Dodgers' lineup. Miguel Rojas or Enrique Hernandez seems like a lot of options to join the starting lineup if Ohtani needs a day or two off, and an extended absence could open the door for a youngster. Miguel Vargas to find the difference in the big league game.
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- Roberts also told reporters yesterday about that outfielder Jason Heyward make great progress while rehabbing from low back pain. Roberts told reporters (incl Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register) that Heyward was expected to continue facing live pitchers today before beginning a rehab assignment at Triple-A on Tuesday. MLB.com's Injury Tracker adds that Heyward currently feels healthy and that, according to Roberts, the length of his rehab assignment will be determined by how long it takes for him to feel comfortable with his swing. According to Plunkett, Roberts suggested the veteran might only need two games to rehab before returning to the majors. Heyward enjoyed a breakout season with the Dodgers last year, slashing a solid .269/.340/.473 in 124 games after struggling badly over the previous seven seasons, all of which came as a member of the Cubs. Andy Pages he has been filling in for Heyward in right field and has impressed in all of his first 22 games in the majors.
- The right hand Bobby Miller is set to throw a bullpen session today, as noted by Fabian Ardaya of Athletic. Miller was on the disabled list last month with shoulder inflammation but is now ramping up baseball activity, and Ardaya added that he is expected to face the batters for the first time in San Francisco on Wednesday. Miller impressed in his rookie season with the Dodgers last year, becoming their most reliable pitcher during the season with a 3.76 ERA and 3.51 FIP in 124 1/3 innings of work. Miller started the season in the club rotation but ended up making three starts before going on the shelf, posting a 5.40 ERA in 11 2/3 innings of work in those appearances. The Dodgers' rotation handled Miller's absence well, fittingly Gavin Stone he currently holds the fifth starting position behind Tyler Glasnow, Walker Buehler, James Paxtonagain Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
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