Dodgers' Postseason Rotation Faces Uncertainty Amid Pitching Injuries The Los Angeles Dodgers' postseason rotation is under pressure as key pitchers face injury setbacks, forcing the team to scramble to maintain its competitive edge in the final stretch of the regular season. Left-hander Eric Lauer, a critical piece of the rotation, was placed on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation before Wednesday night’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals. His absence leaves the team with only four active starting pitchers for the postseason, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow. Lauer’s injury comes after he pitched poorly in Tuesday’s 13-8 loss to the Cardinals, surrendering seven earned runs in three innings. Since joining the Dodgers in May via a trade with the Blue Jays, Lauer has been a reliable back-end starter, posting a 7-2 record with a 4.50 ERA. His placement on the injured list creates an immediate challenge for the Dodgers, who must adjust their rotation to accommodate the shortened schedule of their nine-game homestand. Manager Dave Roberts had already planned to call up a spot starter, likely right-hander Emmet Sheehan, who is set to make his Triple-A debut with Oklahoma City on Sunday. Sheehan, who has a 1.50 ERA in four Triple-A starts, could play a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ efforts to maintain their rotation’s rhythm. However, with Lauer sidelined, Sheehan’s potential impact may extend beyond a single spot start. The team also faces the challenge of managing Monday’s game, which could require either a bullpen game or another emergency starter. If the latter option is chosen, right-hander Justin Wrobleski could step in to cover bulk innings. The Dodgers’ injury list extends beyond Lauer, with several other pitchers sidelined.#los_angeles_dodgers #tarik_skubal #yoshinobu_yamamoto #blake_snell #eric_lauer
Shohei Ohtani to Miss Upcoming Starts as Dodgers Assess His Return Timeline Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will not return to the mound in the coming days after failing to feel fully recovered following a 20-pitch bullpen session on Friday. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the decision Saturday after the Dodgers’ 2-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers, stating that Ohtani’s physical condition remains a concern. The 20-pitch session, shorter than his usual pre-start routine of 30 pitches, raised questions about his readiness to pitch, prompting the team to delay his return. Ohtani, who has not pitched since July 3 due to left knee inflammation, was initially scheduled to make a start either Sunday in Detroit or Tuesday in Los Angeles. Sunday had been the preferred option to ensure he could accumulate five starts before the regular season ended, allowing him to build up to a full-time starter’s workload for the postseason. However, after the bullpen session, Roberts and the Dodgers’ medical staff determined that Ohtani was not 100% prepared to take the mound. Roberts emphasized that the decision was not made lightly, weighing the risks of pushing Ohtani’s body further against the potential benefits of giving him a chance to regain full strength. “If any pitcher was feeling like this, we wouldn’t let him go,” Roberts said, highlighting the team’s commitment to protecting Ohtani’s health. The manager also noted that Ohtani’s overall physical condition, including right biceps soreness that has plagued him this season, remains suboptimal. The Dodgers have not set a target date for Ohtani’s return to pitching, and the organization is still deliberating whether to shut him down entirely for the season.#shohei_ohtani #detroit_tigers #los_angeles_dodgers #dave_roberts #tyler_glasnow
Dodgers' Ohtani's Knee Injury Casts Uncertainty on Mound Return Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' star two-way player, faces uncertainty about his return to the mound after experiencing discomfort in his left knee during a recent bullpen session. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani will not start Sunday’s series finale against the Detroit Tigers, as originally planned. Tyler Glasnow, who was already scheduled to handle most of the innings in the game, will take Ohtani’s place. The Dodgers have not set a specific timeline for Ohtani’s return to the rotation, and the team has not yet decided to shut him down entirely. Roberts emphasized the team’s cautious approach, stating, “If any pitcher was feeling like this, we wouldn’t run him out there. So that’s what we’re doing.” Ohtani’s left knee, which has been a recurring issue since July 3, continues to cause irritation. His right biceps problem, which flared up several weeks ago, remains unresolved. Roberts noted that the entire body is sore, though the extent of the discomfort is unclear. The situation deviates from earlier optimism about Ohtani’s return. Seven days prior, Ohtani had thrown 30 pitches in a simulated game and was on track to rejoin the rotation after a bullpen session in Atlanta. However, the session was shortened to 20 pitches, 10 to 15 throws shorter than his typical between-starts routine. The following day, Roberts reported that Ohtani was still not fully recovered. Ohtani’s absence from the mound has significant implications for the Dodgers. His presence as a two-way player provides the team with an extra pitcher, but his offensive contributions are equally vital.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #dave_roberts #detriot_tigers #tyler_glasnow
Tommy Edman delivers walk-off single as Dodgers beat Pirates 5-4 The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-4 in a 10th-inning game on Friday night. Tommy Edman singled in the winning run with two outs in the final inning, lifting the Dodgers to a dramatic victory. Edman’s line drive to left field off reliever Gregory Soto plated automatic runner Kiké Hernández from third base, securing the win for Los Angeles. The result kept the Dodgers as the only undefeated team in extra-inning games in the majors this season. The game featured a series of key moments. Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz hit a two-run homer off reliever Kyle Hurt in the eighth inning, tying the game at 4-4. The Pirates had taken an early 1-0 lead in the first inning on Nick Gonzales’ RBI single to center field, but the Dodgers responded with a two-run homer from Muncy to take a 2-1 advantage. Gonzales later tied the game 2-2 in the third inning with an RBI single, setting the stage for a tense finish. The Dodgers’ pitching staff held the Pirates to two runs and five hits over 6 1/3 innings. Starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto allowed two runs and struck out nine batters, but he was lifted after putting the tying runs aboard in the seventh inning. Yamamoto hit Jared Triolo with a pitch, prompting manager Dave Roberts to bring in reliever Brock Stewart. Stewart retired the next two batters to end the threat. The Pirates’ struggles continued in the bottom of the seventh, as reliever Luke Bachar set up struggling Kyle Tucker for a potential rally. Shohei Ohtani drew a leadoff walk and stole second base, loading the bases with two outs after Bachar issued consecutive walks to Max Muncy and Mookie Betts. Tucker, however, flied out to center field to end the inning.#los_angeles_dodgers #pittsburgh_pirates #tommy_edman #kik_hernndez #gregory_soto
Max Muncy's Contract Includes Bonuses for Every Plate Appearance Max Muncy, the 35-year-old third baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has signed a team-friendly contract that includes lucrative bonuses tied to his plate appearances. According to a report by the New York Post, Muncy earns $15,000 for each plate appearance from his 401st to 550th of the season, with a maximum bonus of $2.25 million. This structure has already generated a $600,000 bonus for Muncy, who has reached 441 plate appearances through August 20. The bonus is contingent on him maintaining his performance without major injuries for the remainder of the season. The contract’s unique clause rewards Muncy for every plate appearance beyond a specific threshold, effectively turning the final 150 appearances of the season into a performance-driven incentive. The Post noted that this arrangement aligns with Muncy’s history of accepting team-friendly deals, allowing the Dodgers to manage costs while still incentivizing production. The clause also reflects a broader trend in Major League Baseball, where players often receive lump-sum bonuses for meeting plate appearance milestones. For example, Ketel Marte’s recent contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks includes salary increases tied to reaching 500, 550, 600, or 625 plate appearances, while Vinnie Pasquantino’s deal with the Kansas City Royals offers bonus payments for hitting 450, 500, or 550 appearances. Muncy’s contract extends beyond this season. For 2027, he is eligible for additional bonuses based on plate appearances: $20,000 for each appearance from 401 to 500, and $35,000 for those from 501 to 550, with a maximum additional $3.75 million. His base salary for 2027 is $7 million, which could rise to $10.75 million if he meets these thresholds. Combined with the $2.#los_angeles_dodgers #new_york_post #arizona_diamondbacks #max_muncy #ketel_marte
Max Muncy's Contract Incentives Unlock $6M in Additional Value for Dodgers Max Muncy has never seemed particularly interested in squeezing every last dollar out of the Dodgers. But unique clauses in his latest contract are now doing that work for him. After crossing the 400-plate appearance mark, Muncy activated one of the more unusual incentive structures in baseball. From plate appearances 401 through 550, the Dodgers third baseman earns $15,000 every time he steps to the plate. This is only part of the equation. Every plate appearance from 401 through 500 also adds $20,000 to Muncy's 2027 salary. Once he reaches No. 501, that future bump jumps to $35,000 per trip to the plate through 550. That means each appearance from 401-500 carries $35,000 in combined value between this season and next. From 501-550, that number balloons to $50,000. If Muncy reaches all 150 available incentive plate appearances, he would collect $2.25 million in 2026 bonuses and add another $3.75 million to his 2027 salary—$6 million in additional value altogether. His 2027 base salary is $7 million, meaning the escalators could push it to $10.75 million. Muncy's extension also contains a $10 million club option for 2028 with a $3 million buyout. This arrangement is fitting for a player who has repeatedly accepted team-friendly deals to remain in Los Angeles. When Muncy signed his latest extension, he openly acknowledged leaving money on the table because he valued staying with a championship contender. The concept of incentive-based contracts is not new in baseball, but Muncy's version stands out for its granularity. Arizona star Ketel Marte can add as much as $2.5 million to a future season's salary by reaching plate-appearance milestones at 500, 550, 600, and 625.#los_angeles_dodgers #vinnie_pasquantino #arizona_diamondbacks #max_muncy #ketel_marte
Justin Wrobleski Lands on Injured List with Left Forearm Injury The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a setback in their efforts to maintain a healthy pitching rotation as left-hander Justin Wrobleski was placed on the 15-day injured list with left forearm inflammation. The decision came ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers, marking a significant moment for the team’s six-man rotation. Manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism that Wrobleski’s absence would be temporary, emphasizing the importance of allowing the pitcher time to recover while safeguarding the overall health of the pitching staff. Wrobleski, a first-time All-Star this season, had been a key contributor to the Dodgers’ rotation but recently struggled with performance issues. His last appearance came on Saturday night, where he allowed four runs in six innings during a 4-1 loss to the Brewers. The injury comes after a challenging stretch in which he gave up 11 home runs in 19 2/3 innings across his last four starts. This contrasts with his earlier performance, during which he allowed only eight home runs in 106 2/3 innings over his first 17 outings. Despite the rough patch, Wrobleski maintained that he was not feeling fatigued, citing his four-seamer’s average velocity of 96 mph on Saturday—1.5 mph higher than his season average. To fill the void left by Wrobleski’s injury, the Dodgers recalled right-handed reliever Kyle Hurt from Triple-A Oklahoma City. This move added an eighth pitcher to the bullpen, a strategic adjustment aimed at distributing workload more evenly and protecting key arms. Roberts highlighted the benefits of the expanded bullpen, stating that it would “take some of the load off of his arm” and provide flexibility for the team.#los_angeles_dodgers #milwaukee_brewers #dave_roberts #justin_wrobleski #kyle_hurt
Tarik Skubal's Struggles Lead to Dodgers' Loss to Brewers in Series Finale The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a 6-2 defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers in the series finale at Dodger Stadium, marking a pivotal moment in their season as they fell to 3-4 in the four-game set. The loss extended the Dodgers’ struggles against the Brewers, who now hold the edge in the season series, potentially impacting postseason seeding if tiebreakers come into play. The game, which saw Tarik Skubal take the mound for his final start of the season, ended with the left-handed pitcher charged with the loss despite a valiant effort. Skubal, making his third start with the Dodgers, pitched six innings while allowing two runs—one earned—on seven hits. He struck out seven batters, walked two, and threw a career-high 109 pitches, a significant increase from his previous season-high of 96. The Brewers’ aggressive approach at the plate, which kept Skubal’s pitch count elevated throughout the game, tested his endurance. Despite the challenges, Skubal managed to limit the damage, with the only runs scoring on a missed-catch error by Tommy Edman in the second inning and an RBI single by Jake Bauers in the fifth. The game’s turning point came in the sixth inning, where Skubal, already at 95 pitches through five frames, retired the side in order. He struck out Brandon Lockridge on three pitches, retired Joey Ortiz on a foul tip, and ended Jonathan Ornelas’ at-bat with a well-placed curveball on the seventh pitch. However, his frustration was evident as he walked off the mound after the inning, signaling the end of his final start with the team. Skubal’s performance in three starts as a Dodger has been marked by a 3.18 ERA, with six earned runs allowed in 17 innings.#los_angeles_dodgers #tarik_skubal #milwaukee_brewers #logan_henderson #tommie_edman
Dodgers Lose Again to Brewers as Strong Tarik Skubal Start Goes to Waste The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered another loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, despite a strong performance from Tarik Skubal in his third start with the team. The game, the final contest of a four-game series against the NL-best Brewers, ended in a 6-2 Brewers victory, securing a 3-1 series win for Milwaukee. The result highlighted the Dodgers’ struggles to capitalize on Skubal’s efforts and their ongoing challenges in the NL playoff race. Skubal, making his third start since joining the Dodgers from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline, pitched six innings while allowing two runs. He struck out seven batters and limited the Brewers to two hits, but his efforts were in vain as the Dodgers’ offense failed to respond. The Brewers’ starter, Logan Henderson, outdueled Skubal with seven one-run innings, keeping the Dodgers’ bats in check. Henderson allowed just three hits and one walk while striking out six, showcasing his dominance on the mound. The only damage the Dodgers managed against Henderson came from a solo home run by Max Muncy in the fourth inning. The Dodgers’ offense struggled throughout the game, tallying only six hits. Their two runs came from solo home runs by Muncy and Andy Pages, with Pages’ late-game blast in the ninth inning proving largely symbolic. The team’s best chance for a rally came in the eighth inning, when runners were on the corners with one out and a 4-1 deficit. However, Shohei Ohtani’s double play ended the threat, leaving the Dodgers without a chance to mount a comeback. Skubal’s performance, while solid, did not translate into a win for the Dodgers. After leaving the game in the top of the sixth inning with a 2-1 lead, the Brewers’ bullpen capitalized on the opportunity.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #tarik_skubal #milwaukee_brewers #logan_henderson
Brewers Rally in Ninth to Defeat Dodgers in High-Stakes Showdown The Milwaukee Brewers secured a 5-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 13, overcoming a late deficit in a dramatic ninth-inning rally. The game, played at Dodger Stadium, highlighted the team’s resilience after a series of setbacks during their West Coast trip. The Brewers, who had lost three straight games prior to the matchup, turned the tide with a clutch offensive display. The turning point came in the top of the ninth inning, when the Brewers, trailing 4-3, launched a three-run rally against Dodgers closer Edwin Diáz. Jake Bauers, the southern California native and key player in the comeback, delivered the final hit—a fifth and final single in the top of the ninth that capped the rally. Bauers, who had earlier told his teammates to “chill the you-know-what out” during a locker-room meeting, proved instrumental in the comeback. His ability to stay calm under pressure and execute key hits was critical to the Brewers’ success. The rally began with Joey Ortiz’s seeing-eye grounder, which put the Brewers on the board. David Hamilton followed with a two-strike liner to center, and Jackson Chourio added a third consecutive single to right field, making it 4-3. Garrett Mitchell, who had been struggling with his performance in August, delivered the game-tying hit with a down-and-in slider to center field. “That’s Brewers baseball right there,” Mitchell said, emphasizing the team’s identity of fighting back in critical moments. The Brewers’ offensive resurgence was a stark contrast to their earlier struggles. Earlier in the week, they had blown two leads against the San Diego Padres, failing to capitalize on scoring chances. This loss to the Dodgers, however, marked a turning point.#los_angeles_dodgers #milwaukee_brewers #pat_murphy #jake_bauers #edwin_diz
Dodgers to Start Two-Time Cy Young Winners Back-to-Back The Los Angeles Dodgers will open their next two games with two-time Cy Young Award winners Tarik Skubal and Blake Snell, marking the 12th time in Major League Baseball history that a team has fielded two pitchers with multiple Cy Young honors. Skubal, a 2023 Cy Young winner, will start on Monday, followed by Snell on Tuesday. Manager Dave Roberts called the pairing a “great” opportunity for the team, acknowledging the challenge of facing two elite pitchers in consecutive starts while emphasizing the confidence the offense gains from having such talent on its side. For Skubal, the start will be his second as a Dodger and his first at Dodger Stadium. His debut against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday drew mixed reactions from the Wrigley Field crowd, with fans booing him loudly during his first start. Skubal, however, embraced the energy, calling the atmosphere “a ton of fun” and noting that the fans’ reactions—whether supportive or critical—add to the excitement of the game. He expressed confidence in facing the Kansas City Royals in his next start, describing the challenge as “daunting” but also a chance to showcase his skills. Snell, meanwhile, will make his second start of the season after returning from a shoulder injury and subsequent elbow surgery. He opened the season on the injured list, pitched three innings against Atlanta on May 9, then underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow—the same procedure Skubal had in May. Roberts praised the duo’s potential to elevate the team’s performance, stating, “We feel like we have the pieces of our starting pitching to go on a run.” However, he also stressed the importance of strong defensive support and offensive production to complement the pitching staff.#los_angeles_dodgers #tarik_skubal #dave_roberts #kansas_city_royals #blake_snell
Blake Snell to Return from Injured List as Dodgers Rotation Takes Shape The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to welcome back two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell from the injured list on Tuesday, marking a significant development as their pitching rotation begins to solidify ahead of the postseason. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news on Friday, revealing that Snell will start against the Kansas City Royals, while trade deadline acquisition Tarik Skubal is expected to make his Dodger Stadium debut on Monday. Snell’s return comes after a challenging season marred by recurring shoulder and elbow issues. The right-hander began 2026 on the injured list due to shoulder fatigue, making only one start before being sidelined again with loose bodies in his pitching elbow. He underwent a procedure to remove the loose bodies, a treatment previously used by Skubal, who returned to action in just 38 days. Snell, however, required a longer recovery, beginning a rehab assignment on July 18 with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets. Since then, he has made four starts, with his most recent appearance reaching 73 pitches. This is not the first time Snell has struggled in the first half of the season. Over his career, he has posted a 4.00 ERA in the first half and a 2.33 ERA in the second half, despite similar innings totals. His performance in the second half has often been stellar, as seen in his role during the Dodgers’ 2025 World Series run, where he contributed a 3.18 ERA across six appearances, including a relief role in Game 7. The Dodgers’ rotation has relied on depth during the regular season, with pitchers like Eric Lauer and Emmet Sheehan filling in.#los_angeles_dodgers #tarik_skubal #dave_roberts #kansas_city_royals #blake_snell
John Candelaria throws last traditional no-hitter in Pirates history, beats Dodgers on Clark Candy Night John Candelaria holds the distinction of throwing the last traditional no-hitter in Pittsburgh Pirates history, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers with nine innings of dominant pitching on August 9, 1976. The game, played at Three Rivers Stadium, was also Clark Candy Night, a tribute to Candelaria’s nickname. Fans received candy bars as part of the celebration, and the no-hitter marked a career-defining moment for the 22-year-old pitcher. Candelaria, in his second Major League season, approached the vice president of D.L. Clark Company, the sponsor of Clark Candy Night, with a business proposal after the game. “I remember saying, ‘I pitched a no-hitter on Clark Bar Candy Night. Can we do something?’” he recalled. The executive responded with humor, telling him, “Kid, that’s a great idea. Now get out of here.” This anecdote highlights Candelaria’s early awareness of his marketability. The game itself was a tightly contested affair. The Pirates won 2-0 on a fifth-inning double by Bill Robinson, while Dodgers starter Doug Rau struggled to navigate the Pittsburgh lineup. Candelaria walked Steve Yeager in the third inning, struck out seven batters, and faced 30 total hitters, using 100 pitches to complete the no-hitter. The Pirates had not recorded a no-hitter since 1907, making this achievement significant. Candelaria emphasized the intensity of the moment, stating, “The only thing I was thinking about was not letting them score because the game was that close. We could lose if I gave up a couple of runs.” He also criticized modern pitchers who claim ignorance of a no-hitter, asserting, “Any pitcher who tells you he doesn’t realize he has a no-hitter going is lying. You’re a pitcher.#los_angeles_dodgers #pirates #john_candelaria #three_rivers_stadium #clark_candy_night
Dodgers Seek Breakthrough in Cubs Series Amid Skubal Debut and Roster Adjustments The Los Angeles Dodgers are attempting to end a four-game losing streak and avoid a season-worst five-game skid after falling to the Chicago Cubs in a high-scoring series opener. The loss, a 10-5 defeat on Monday, marked the team’s third four-game losing streak of the season and pushed their lead in the National League West down to nine games over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers now aim to rebound in the second of three games against the Cubs, with a pivotal pitching matchup featuring the debut of left-handed ace Tarik Skubal. Skubal, acquired in a blockbuster trade over the weekend for outfield prospect Zyhir Hope and pitching prospects River Ryan and Brady Smith, is set to make his Dodgers debut on Tuesday. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner has been dominant this season, posting a 2.79 ERA and 116 strikeouts over 96.2 innings. Since returning from elbow surgery, he has compiled a 2.87 ERA with 71 strikeouts in 53.1 innings across nine starts. His performance against the Cubs’ lineup will be critical for the Dodgers, who are looking to snap their losing streak. The Cubs will counter with right-handed pitcher Javier Assad, who has a 3.75 ERA across 69.2 innings this season. Assad, who has made 18 appearances (nine starts, nine relief outings), has shown versatility, posting a 3.50 ERA with 32 strikeouts as a starter and a 4.24 ERA with 16 strikeouts in relief. The matchup between Skubal and Assad is expected to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the series. In addition to the pitching matchup, the Dodgers made several roster adjustments ahead of Tuesday’s game.#chicago_cubs #los_angeles_dodgers #tarik_skubal #javier_assad #national_league_west
Friedman: Ohtani to Pitch Again for Dodgers This Season The Los Angeles Dodgers' long-term plans for Shohei Ohtani’s recovery have remained a focal point as the Japanese phenom continues to navigate persistent knee and bicep complications. Within the past 24 hours, the outlook for Ohtani’s return to pitching has shifted, with the 2023 MLB All-Star’s condition raising concerns among fans and analysts. Following a 16-day media silence after Tuesday’s loss, Ohtani disclosed that his left knee and bicep injuries have resurfaced, complicating his rehabilitation efforts. Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman addressed the situation on Wednesday, emphasizing the team’s commitment to Ohtani’s long-term health over immediate performance. Friedman clarified that the club’s approach prioritizes maintaining Ohtani’s natural pitching mechanics without altering his delivery to accommodate his knee issues. “Subconsciously, we did not want to put him in a position where he was altering his mechanics to try to protect the knee in any way,” Friedman stated. He reiterated that Ohtani’s primary goal is to return to the mound pain-free, with his bicep showing improvement. “If it weren’t for the knee, he would be pitching right now. He would be making his regular turn,” Friedman said, highlighting the severity of the knee complications. Ohtani’s progress has been marked by incremental steps, including the introduction of plyo balls into his throwing routine. Friedman noted that Ohtani has begun building up to full throwing sessions, though the timeline for his return remains uncertain. The player reported feeling physically capable during batting and base-running drills but described recurring pain upon landing after pitches.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #andrew_friedman #mlb_trade_deadline #plyo_balls
Shohei Ohtani has biceps injury, return to pitching uncertain Shohei Ohtani crushed a leadoff home run Tuesday night, further proving his importance to the Dodgers even as uncertainty grows around his ability to pitch again this season. But it goes without saying that the return of a fully healthy Ohtani — one that can be his one-of-a-kind self at both the plate and on the mound — would be a boon to Los Angeles’ chances of a World Series three-peat. New details have clouded when and whether that may happen. Here’s the latest on Ohtani. Ohtani has been dealing with lingering left knee soreness, which forced him to miss his final start before the All-Star break. The issue resurfaced after he threw a 30-pitch bullpen last week, leading the Dodgers to shut him down for the time being. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed Tuesday that Ohtani has also experienced an issue in his right biceps. Discomfort first appeared when Ohtani was removed from his start against the Padres on July 3. Roberts explained that compensating for his knee pain placed unintended stress on his upper half. “Trying to mitigate that, we stopped the throwing, stopped the bullpens — hopefully, No. 1, take care of the knee and then not have him try to create velocity with the arm that’s not 100%,” Roberts said. Ohtani’s last MLB start before injury was July 3, when he pitched 6 innings against the Padres. He allowed three runs on seven hits with nine strikeouts and two walks. He threw the aforementioned 30-pitch bullpen last Wednesday (July 22) and has not pitched off a mound since. There is currently no timeline for Ohtani’s return. Roberts emphasized that the club will not push him forward until he feels 100%. “I think the last ‘pen that he had, there was a little bit of regression,” Roberts said.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #tarik_skubal #dave_roberts #pete_crowarmstrong
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Game Delayed Due to Severe Weather The Philadelphia Phillies have announced that their scheduled game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 21, 2026, will be delayed due to severe weather conditions. The game, originally set to begin at 8 p.m., has been postponed as a flash flood warning persists in the area surrounding Citizens Bank Park. Fans are advised to avoid traveling to the venue until the weather conditions improve. The National Weather Service has issued a 100% chance of precipitation for the evening, with rain and thunderstorms expected to continue through midnight. Some of the storms may be severe, capable of producing heavy rainfall, with estimated totals between 1 and 2 inches. The Phillies emphasized that the delay is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of fans and players. The rescheduling of the game remains under consideration, with several potential options being discussed. If the game is rained out, the Phillies and Dodgers could play a doubleheader on Wednesday, July 22, or move the game to Thursday, July 23. However, the latter option would require both teams to adjust their schedules, as the Phillies have a scheduled game against the New York Yankees on Friday, July 25, while the Dodgers must travel to New York City for a series against the Mets. If both games are rained out, the league may explore rescheduling the contests for days when both teams have off days. However, the final regular-season series between the Phillies and Dodgers is critical for playoff positioning, and MLB officials have indicated that games could be canceled and rescheduled only if the results impact seeding. Starting pitchers for the delayed game include Zack Wheeler (10-1, 2.#national_weather_service #los_angeles_dodgers #philadelphia_phillies #citizens_bank_park #zack_wheeler
Dodgers and Phillies Set for Monday Showdown on ESPN The Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies will face off in a pivotal matchup on Monday night, exclusively on ESPN. The game, scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET, marks the second meeting between the NL titans this season. The Dodgers, who entered the series with a 63-37 record, will travel to Citizens Bank Park to begin a three-game series against the surging Phillies, who have climbed to MLB’s second-best record at 55-45. The Phillies, who started the season 9-19 and fired manager Rob Thomson on April 28, have since surged to their current standing. The matchup will feature the Phillies’ star-studded rotation, including lefty Cristopher Sánchez, who will make his first start since the All-Star Game. Sánchez, with an 11-4 record and a 2.62 ERA, is in the NL Cy Young race. The Phillies’ offense, which is expected to add players before the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline, has been bolstered by Kyle Schwarber, who leads the league with 33 home runs. The Dodgers’ pitching staff will face Sánchez, with young righty Emmet Sheehan scheduled to start. Sheehan, who has a 4-6 record and a 4.81 ERA, has allowed no more than two earned runs in each of his past three starts. The Dodgers’ offense, which has scored MLB’s third-most runs this season, will rely on Shohei Ohtani, who has hit four home runs and driven in 10 runs in July. The series will continue with two more games in Philadelphia, with the Dodgers holding a slight edge after winning two of three games in Los Angeles earlier in the year. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals will conclude their West Coast trip with a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels, starting at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Cardinals, with a 51-47 record, are in a virtual three-way tie for the third NL Wild Card spot.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #philadelphia_phillies #kyle_schwarber #citizens_bank_park
Dodgers Activate Evan Phillips, Release Pitcher Ahead of Rockies Series The Los Angeles Dodgers made several roster adjustments ahead of their series opener against the Colorado Rockies, activating right-handed reliever Evan Phillips from the 60-day injured list while releasing left-handed pitcher Jake Eder. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Paul Gervase was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. The changes were announced as the team prepared for the matchup, which began on Monday. Phillips, 31, was sidelined since May 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, marking a significant setback for both the player and the Dodgers. The team had non-tendered Phillips following the 2025 season, making him a free agent, but re-signed him in February on a one-year, $6.5 million contract. Over the past 30 days, Phillips participated in a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he made 12 appearances. During this time, he posted a 1.80 ERA across 10 innings, striking out 13 batters. The Dodgers plan to ease him back into action, avoiding high-leverage situations initially, but expect him to quickly reestablish himself as a key reliever in manager Dave Roberts’ bullpen. Phillips’ return to the majors marks a career resurgence. Since being claimed off waivers by the Dodgers in 2021, he has become a reliable reliever, posting a 1.14 ERA in 64 appearances in 2022. He led the team in saves in 2023 and 2024, and in 2025, he pitched seven scoreless innings before the injury. Across five seasons with the Dodgers, Phillips has a 2.22 ERA over 195 innings, with 221 strikeouts. His performance in the rehab assignment has positioned him to contribute immediately to the bullpen.#los_angeles_dodgers #colorado_rockies #jake_eder #evan_phillips #paul_gervase
Yamamoto Faces Padres in Crucial Dodgers Series Yoshinobu Yamamoto will attempt to extend his dominance over the San Diego Padres in a pivotal matchup for the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the third encounter between the Japanese ace and his divisional rivals this season. The right-hander, who has held the Padres to just three earned runs across 13 innings this year, is set to take the mound at Dodger Stadium on Saturday night for a 7:10 p.m. PT Fourth of July game broadcast on SportsNet LA and MLB.TV. This will be Yamamoto’s second consecutive start against San Diego, following a recent quality outing at Petco Park where he limited the Padres to three runs. The Dodgers’ pitching staff has leaned heavily on Yamamoto’s recent form, as he has been in elite shape during his last seven starts. Over that span, he has allowed only nine earned runs in 47 2/3 innings, posting a 1.70 ERA. However, his performance has been slightly inconsistent in recent weeks, particularly with his splitter, a key weapon in his arsenal. Despite this, Yamamoto has managed to maintain his effectiveness, showcasing his ability to adapt and perform under pressure. In his most recent start against the Padres, Yamamoto received the highest run support of his season as the Dodgers’ offense exploded for a season-high-tying 15 runs, dismantling San Diego’s defense. The victory was a testament to the team’s offensive firepower, but it also highlighted the importance of Yamamoto’s contributions. His ability to limit the Padres’ scoring has been a critical factor in the Dodgers’ success against their rivals, and the team remains confident in his ability to carry the load in this high-stakes matchup. Yamamoto’s journey to mastery has not been without challenges.#los_angeles_dodgers #yoshinobu_yamamoto #san_diego_padres #sportsnet_la #petco_park
