Roberts Explains Last-Minute Change with Ohtani, Provides Update on Smith
PITTSBURGH, PA – Los Angeles Dodgers manager dave Roberts clarified Wednesday evening’s unexpected lineup change involving Shohei Ohtani, explaining the superstar was scratched from his scheduled start due to illness adn instead served as the designated hitter in the team’s 3-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“He felt good enough to hit, but didn’t feel good enough to pitch because of the illness,” Roberts revealed after the game. Ohtani, recovering from a cold, was described as “not quite fit,” leading the team to prioritize his health.”We just felt it wasn’t worth playing a game,” Roberts added.
Ohtani is currently battling a “strong cough,” but Roberts assured reporters there’s no concern about a prolonged absence from the mound. He anticipates Ohtani will pitch again “someday at some point,” with the next chance potentially coming during the team’s series against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Dodgers also received positive news regarding All-Star catcher Will smith,who exited Wednesday’s game after the second inning with a bruise to his right hand. An MRI revealed no abnormalities, tho Smith remains questionable for upcoming games.
“I think he’s a fighter, he wants to help us win,” Roberts said of Smith’s willingness to play through discomfort. “so if he’s on the baseball field and that means he has to go back and to line up to get to second base to get into scoring position, than he will do it.”
The Dodgers are currently navigating a challenging start to the season as they compete with the San diego Padres for the NL West crown. having lost four of their last five games, Los Angeles is looking to regain momentum and secure a playoff position.