UPDATE: Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the mound on Monday, August 21, 2023, against the Colorado Rockies in Los Angeles after being sidelined due to a chest cold. This is a crucial development as Ohtani, who has not pitched since June, aims to build on his record this season.
Ohtani was initially scheduled to pitch on Wednesday during the Dodgers’ game against the Pittsburgh Pirates but was limited to designated hitter duties due to illness. In his absence, rookie pitcher Emmet Sheehan took the mound in a disappointing loss for the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized that moving Ohtani’s start to next week is vital for his recovery, stating, “You want him to give him his best chance to give up five innings in his next start.”
Meanwhile, catcher Will Smith is officially out for the Dodgers’ three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles starting on Friday, August 18, 2023. Smith suffered a bruised right hand after being hit by a foul ball on Wednesday. X-rays taken that night returned negative, but further imaging results are pending. Smith, a three-time All-Star, boasts a .296 batting average with 17 home runs this season.
With Smith sidelined, rookie catcher Dalton Rushing will take over the majority of the catching duties. The Dodgers have also brought in veteran catcher Ben Rortvedt from Triple-A Oklahoma City, while infielder Alex Freeland has been optioned back to the same club. Rortvedt, who has played parts of four seasons in the majors, has a career batting average of .186.
In additional news, Dodgers’ third baseman Max Muncy is expected to commence a rehab assignment with Oklahoma City on Thursday night. Muncy has been on the injured list since August 15 due to a strained right oblique.
Ohtani, who is aiming to solidify his comeback, has a current pitching record of 1-1 with a 4.18 ERA in 11 starts, while also making headlines with his impressive batting performance, hitting .280 with 46 home runs and leading the National League with 125 runs scored and a .610 slugging percentage.
As the Dodgers navigate through these changes, fans will be watching closely for Ohtani’s performance against the Rockies and any updates on Smith’s condition. The urgency surrounding these developments highlights the team’s need to maintain momentum in the competitive National League standings.
