Dodgers’ Dave Roberts confirms Shohei Ohtani status vs. Red Sox after Thursday scratch

Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the Dodgers’ lineup Friday, just one day after sitting out with knee soreness. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani will be back in his customary leadoff spot for the series opener against the Boston Red Sox, a day after scratching the two-way star from Thursday’s finale against the Seattle Mariners.

“Yesterday, he went in there for some treatment. So I think that talking to the training staff, it was just best to just give him a day,” Roberts told Yahoo Sports.

Roberts explained the decision was ultimately about managing Ohtani’s workload rather than any new setback.

“After tonight’s day off, he could come back and feel refreshed and play the next, call it four or five, before the next off-day, or feel after three games that he’s a little sore again and need a blow,” Roberts said after their 6-2 win over the Mariners.

Ohtani has been dealing with left knee inflammation since June 11 and has not pitched in a game since July 3, though the issue has not affected his hitting or baserunning. He skipped the All-Star Game in Philadelphia to receive treatment, including a lubricating Orthovisc injection, and the Dodgers revealed earlier this week that right biceps discomfort has further slowed his return to the mound.

Through 14 starts as a pitcher this season, Ohtani has posted a 1.79 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP with 95 strikeouts across 85 2/3 innings.

With Ohtani sidelined from pitching for the foreseeable future, right-hander Edgardo Henriquez will open Friday’s bullpen game against Boston in his place. Tommy Edman slid into the leadoff spot Thursday in Ohtani’s absence, while Teoscar Hernandez took over designated hitter duties.

Ohtani remains the Dodgers’ everyday DH even amid the injury, continuing to anchor the top of the lineup as Los Angeles pushes toward the postseason. His return Friday keeps the four-time MVP in his usual spot as the club navigates a delicate balance between managing his workload and keeping its best hitter in the daily lineup.

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