Shohei Ohtani out of Dodgers' lineup for Friday's game vs. White Sox due to left knee inflammation

Shohei Ohtani will not play for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Friday game against the Chicago White Sox due to left knee inflammation. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that while imaging exams revealed no structural damage, Ohtani’s availability for Saturday remains unclear. Roberts expressed hope Ohtani could return this weekend but emphasized the team prioritized his long-term health after he left Thursday’s game in the seventh inning. Ohtani exited Thursday’s 8-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates after experiencing discomfort in his knee and hamstring area during a stolen base attempt. Roberts described the decision as proactive, though he noted the concern level was not high. Initially, there was optimism Ohtani would play Friday, but the team ultimately opted for caution. In 63 games this season, Ohtani is batting .305 with 13 home runs, 15 doubles, and 40 RBI, leading the National League in OPS (.946) across 298 plate appearances. Santiago Espinal will start at designated hitter in Friday’s lineup, batting .250 with a .365 slugging percentage in 56 plate appearances. Behind the plate, Chuckie Robinson will begin the game in place of Will Smith, who was placed on the injured list Thursday with neck inflammation. Robinson will bat ninth, while Dalton Rushing had started the previous four games at catcher. Ohtani is still expected to pitch Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays, assuming his knee improves.