#shohei_ohtani

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

Why the Jaguars Aren’t Giving Up on Travis Hunter Becoming NFL’s Shohei Ohtani The Jacksonville Jaguars remain optimistic about Travis Hunter’s potential to evolve into a dual-threat standout akin to Shohei Ohtani, despite his underwhelming rookie season and the challenges of adapting to the NFL. Hunter, who added 10-12 pounds of muscle during the offseason, is entering his second year with the team as a key piece of their defensive strategy. While his rookie campaign was marred by injury and limited playing time, the Jaguars are adjusting their approach to maximize his strengths and address his shortcomings. Hunter’s 2025 rookie season was cut short when he tore the LCL in his right knee during Week 9 practice, forcing him to miss most of the season. The Jaguars traded an extra first-round pick to select him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but his impact was minimal. Over seven games, Hunter recorded 28 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown on offense, while contributing three pass breakups and 15 total tackles on defense. He averaged just 69 snaps per game, with 46 on offense and 23 on defense, reflecting the team’s cautious integration of his unique skill set. Despite his early promise as a two-way playmaker, Hunter’s rookie season ended with him being an afterthought in Jacksonville’s system. The Jaguars had initially envisioned him as a full-time wide receiver with occasional defensive contributions, but his limited playing time and injury concerns led to a shift in strategy. This year, the team is prioritizing his development over immediate production, allowing him to operate in a role that better suits his strengths. Jaguars coach Liam Coen emphasized the team’s focus on giving Hunter the freedom to grow without excessive pressure.#shohei_ohtani #jacksonville_jaguars #travis_hunter #liam_coen #anthony_campanile

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

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

At the trade deadline, the Cubs shouldn’t take Pete Crow-Armstrong’s season for granted CHICAGO — Pete Crow-Armstrong’s meteoric rise to superstardom has positioned him as a cornerstone of the Chicago Cubs’ future, with his performance this season reshaping the team’s approach to the Aug. 3 trade deadline. The 24-year-old center fielder, who signed a six-year, $115 million contract extension before Opening Day in March, has become a focal point of the Cubs’ playoff aspirations. His combination of offensive production, defensive prowess, and clubhouse leadership has elevated him to the top of the league in wins above replacement, according to FanGraphs and Baseball Reference. Crow-Armstrong’s journey to this point has been marked by rapid growth. After being acquired in a 2021 trade that saw the Cubs part with fan favorites Kris Bryant and Javier Báez, he has evolved into a player who dominates both sides of the ball. His offensive approach has matured significantly, with a more selective hitting plan leading to a more than doubling of his walk rate from the previous season without sacrificing power (21 home runs) or speed (25 stolen bases). Defensively, he has emerged as a Gold Glove-level performer, leading the majors in Statcast’s outs above average and fielding run value. The Cubs’ leadership has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining Crow-Armstrong’s current trajectory. General manager Jed Hoyer, who oversaw the 2016 World Series team’s trade-deadline acquisition of Aroldis Chapman, praised Crow-Armstrong’s disciplined approach. “This current approach is exactly what we always hoped he could get to,” Hoyer said. “It just came a lot faster than we thought.#chicago_cubs #shohei_ohtani #aaron_judge #pete_crowarmstrong #jed_hoyer

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

Shohei Ohtani's MLB All-Star Game Participation Uncertain After Schedule Adjustment Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Shohei Ohtani is unlikely to pitch in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game following a recent adjustment to his pitching schedule. Roberts stated that Ohtani’s new Friday night start against the San Diego Padres effectively rules him out of participating in the Tuesday, July 14, Midsummer Classic. While Roberts has not formally decided, he emphasized that the timing makes it “hard to imagine” Ohtani would be available for the event. Ohtani, who was originally scheduled to pitch Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics, had his start moved to Friday as part of a strategy to provide him additional rest. Roberts explained that the decision was made methodically to ensure Ohtani could recover and perform at his best. However, the manager noted that Ohtani’s recent performance has been subpar, citing issues with fastball command and the effectiveness of his sweeper pitch. “He hasn’t had his best stuff recently,” Roberts said, adding that Ohtani has increasingly relied on his splitter, a change from earlier in the season. Despite the rest plan, the Dodgers hope Ohtani will regain his form in time for a potential start on July 10. The All-Star Game, set to take place in Philadelphia, will feature Ohtani as a designated hitter (DH) starter, with Roberts managing the National League squad. The full rosters, including pitching staffs, will be announced Saturday during a FOX broadcast at 7:30 p.m. ET. Roberts also addressed the challenge of selecting a starting pitcher for the NL team, noting that several candidates may be unavailable due to their schedules.#shohei_ohtani #philadelphia_phillies #san_diego_padres #dave_roberts #oakland_athletics

Shohei Ohtani to Start Against Padres in Full Two-Way Role The Los Angeles Dodgers have rescheduled Shohei Ohtani’s next pitching start to Friday night, when he will take the mound against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Originally slated for Wednesday’s series finale against the Oakland Athletics at Sutter Health Park, the adjustment allows Ohtani to fulfill his dual role as both a pitcher and hitter while prioritizing his physical recovery. The decision reflects the team’s commitment to balancing his workload and ensuring his long-term health. Ohtani, who has thrived in his two-way role this season, is currently 8-2 with a 1.58 ERA through 13 starts. His performance has been consistent, though the Dodgers have expressed openness to adjusting his schedule to provide additional rest if needed. This latest change grants him a season-high eight days of rest between his previous start on Wednesday and his upcoming appearance, a move that aligns with the team’s strategy to manage his workload effectively. The decision to delay Ohtani’s start was influenced by several factors. First, the Dodgers aim to ensure he remains available for two more starts before the All-Star break, both of which will be against divisional opponents. His final start of the first half is scheduled for July 10 against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized that the adjustment was primarily schedule-driven, noting that Ohtani’s agreement to the change was based on the belief that more rest would benefit his performance. “There’s no downside with him losing starts,” Roberts said. “Get more rest. No downside was the thought.” Despite recent challenges, including lingering soreness in his left knee and a blister on his right hand, Ohtani has not missed a pitching start this season.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #san_diego_padres #dodger_stadium #dalton_rushing

Dodgers' Ohtani Unlikely to Pitch in All-Star Game Due to Schedule Adjustments The Los Angeles Dodgers have shifted Shohei Ohtani’s schedule to manage his workload, making it highly improbable he will pitch in the All-Star Game on July 14. The two-way star, who has been a dominant force for the team, was originally scheduled to start on the mound every Wednesday. However, the Dodgers moved his start to Friday, a decision that manager Dave Roberts suggested would complicate his participation in the Midsummer Showcase. Roberts, who will oversee the National League All-Stars in Philadelphia, acknowledged the scheduling conflict but emphasized that the final decision on Ohtani’s availability remains pending. “I haven’t formally said it, but if you just kind of do the math, it would be hard to imagine,” Roberts said during Friday’s game. The manager noted that Ohtani’s recent performance has been inconsistent, with his fastball command and slider effectiveness falling short of earlier-season standards. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his pitching role, Ohtani is locked in as the designated hitter for the All-Star Game. He secured the position by leading all players with 3,341,257 votes in the first phase of fan balloting. While he remains a strong contender for a spot on the NL pitching staff, the selection process is complicated by the availability of other pitchers. Philadelphia left-hander Cristopher Sanchez is the most likely candidate to start in his home ballpark, while Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski, who leads the majors with a 1.45 ERA, is scheduled to pitch for the Brewers two days before the All-Star Game, making him unavailable. Ohtani’s potential participation in the All-Star Game hinges on his ability to recover from recent physical challenges.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #philadelphia #dave_roberts #all_star_game

Another Dalton Rushing Temper Tantrum Highlights Dodgers' Struggles with Player Behavior The Los Angeles Dodgers faced another contentious moment involving their young catcher, Dalton Rushing, during a June 28, 2026, game against the San Diego Padres. Despite a dominant 15-3 victory for the Dodgers, Rushing’s on-field antics once again drew criticism, adding to concerns about his maturity and professionalism. The incident unfolded during his first at-bat of the game, where Rushing appeared to be in discomfort, prompting him to step out of the batter’s box and delay his approach. Though he eventually walked, the situation raised questions about his physical condition and composure. Rushing’s behavior has been a recurring issue, with his recent clash with Shohei Ohtani earlier in the season serving as a notable example. Despite his on-field success—highlighted by a home run during the game and a 123 wRC+ through 165 plate appearances—the catcher’s off-field conduct has become a point of contention. Manager Dave Roberts, aware of the potential injury risk, checked on Rushing during the at-bat, a standard protocol for players showing signs of distress. However, Rushing’s frustration was evident as he waved off Roberts and the team’s trainer, clearly uninterested in the inquiry. The Dodgers’ decision to monitor Rushing stems from broader concerns about their roster. With star pitcher Will Smith sidelined through the All-Star break, the team cannot afford further setbacks. Rushing’s potential injury would compound existing challenges, making the situation particularly sensitive. Despite these risks, the Dodgers have chosen to tolerate his behavior, a move that reflects both their reliance on his performance and the difficulty of addressing his immaturity.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #san_diego_padres #dave_roberts #dalton_rushing

Ohtani 'out of sync' with catcher Rushing, rebounds as Dodgers win MINNEAPOLIS -- Shohei Ohtani forcefully rebounded from a rough inning on the mound to earn yet another win for the major league-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. The two-way superstar carried his struggling catcher Dalton Rushing along with him, showing there's even more to his marvelous game than simply pitching and hitting. Ohtani had eight strikeouts over six innings before yielding to the bullpen in the 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday, and he helped himself at the plate with an RBI single to spark a three-run third inning that put the Dodgers in front for the rest of the night. But the bottom of the second at Target Field -- where the Twins announced their first sellout of the season -- was ugly. Three hits off Ohtani loaded the bases with one out, before he and Rushing got crossed up on a pitch that escaped the catcher's glove and zipped toward the backstop to let in a run. Two more scored on Ryan Kreidler's single that gave the Twins a 3-1 lead. Rushing, the 2022 second-round draft pick who has temporarily taken over as the primary catcher while three-time All-Star Will Smith is on the injured list with neck inflammation, was expecting an off-speed pitch. Ohtani threw a 101 mph fastball, wincing with slumped shoulders as he saw the run come across. Rushing was charged with a passed ball, making one of the three runs against Ohtani unearned. "They were just out of sync early, and you could tell," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "I think both guys were frustrated and trying to get on the same page." Ohtani, through his interpreter after the game, offered his usual diplomatic assessment about his work with Rushing, who is in his second major league season.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #minnesota_twins #target_field #dalton_rushing

Shohei Ohtani bounces back in start against Twins Shohei Ohtani faced challenges in his start against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night but managed to recover after a difficult stretch of the 2026 season. The game took place at Target Field, where Ohtani, a two-way star for the Dodgers, dealt with a right middle finger blister and left knee inflammation. Despite these issues, he delivered a strong performance that contributed to a 4-3 victory for the Dodgers. The game was marked by early struggles, particularly in the bottom of the second inning. Ohtani and rookie catcher Dalton Rushing experienced miscommunication, leading to a chaotic frame. After allowing a leadoff single to Victor Caratini, two one-out singles, and a passed ball, Minnesota tied the game. Ryan Kreidler then hit a two-run single to give the Twins a 3-1 lead. Ohtani quickly adjusted, taking full control of the pitch-calling duties starting in the third inning. Through interpreter Will Ireton, Ohtani explained the confusion during the second inning. He noted that Rushing misinterpreted the first pitch as an offspeed offering, while Ohtani had intended the second pitch to be a fastball. "There were two pitches called," Ohtani said. "The first one was offspeed. The second pitch was a fastball. Rush thought he was getting an offspeed because I started moving after the first pitch was called, but what I had in mind was the second pitch, which was a fastball." By the third inning, Ohtani had recalibrated his approach, and the results were immediate. He struck out the side in the bottom of the third, fanning Byron Buxton, Kody Clemens, and Josh Bell. The right-hander then retired 13 of the final 15 batters he faced, finishing his start with four consecutive scoreless innings.#shohei_ohtani #minnesota_twins #target_field #dalton_rushing #david_roberts

Dalton Rushing on Navigating Staff through Tense Series with Rays The Los Angeles Dodgers’ victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday was defined as much by the strategic guidance of catching coach Dalton Rushing as by the game’s outcome. In the ninth inning of a 5-4 win, Rushing played a pivotal role in steadying pitcher Alex Vesia during a high-pressure moment. With the bases loaded and the Dodgers clinging to a one-run lead, Vesia struggled with command, loading the bases before Rushing intervened. His two trips to the mound, combined with a focused message of confidence, culminated in Vesia throwing a slider that struck out Cedric Mullins to end the game. Rushing emphasized the importance of tailoring his approach to each pitcher’s mindset. “He’s a high-energy guy, so any piece of confidence I can throw his way is going to help him at the end of the day,” Rushing said. He noted that Vesia had been missing his fastball high in the zone, requiring an adjustment in delivery. Despite the challenge, Rushing was confident in Vesia’s ability to make a critical pitch. “I wasn’t really worried about him being able to make a big pitch in a big spot. He’s done that multiple times in his career.” The moment demanded precision, and Rushing’s strategy was clear: “You go to what you think he can put in the zone. You want to avoid walking a guy in that spot. Left on left, you have the advantage as a pitching staff. You go to whatever pitch you think he can land in the zone and give us the best chance to get weak contact or a miss.” Vesia followed this guidance, reaching a full count against Mullins with the bases loaded. Rushing’s call for the slider proved decisive, as Mullins swung through it, sealing the win.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #tampa_bay_rays #dalton_rushing #alex_vesia

Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Takes Paternity Leave, Misses Game Against Orioles Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was unexpectedly removed from Friday’s lineup against the Baltimore Orioles, with the team citing paternity leave as the reason for his absence. The announcement came after the Dodgers released their initial game plan without Ohtani, prompting further clarification that he would be away from the team during this period. According to the club, Ohtani is anticipated to return to the roster “sometime this weekend,” though no specific date was provided. For Friday’s contest, the Dodgers adjusted their batting order, moving outfielder Kyle Tucker into Ohtani’s regular leadoff position. Ryan Ward, who had previously filled in as a designated hitter, was placed in the seventh slot. Despite the lineup changes, Ohtani’s role in the pitching rotation remains unaffected. The two-time World Series champion had thrown 73 2/3 innings in 12 starts earlier in the season, with a 1.47 ERA and 0.882 WHIP. His last appearance came on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Dodgers’ schedule for the three-game home series against the Orioles includes Roki Sasaki (Friday), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Saturday), and Emmet Sheehan (Sunday) as scheduled starters. Probable pitchers for the upcoming road games against the Minnesota Twins on Monday and Tuesday have not yet been announced. This marks Ohtani’s second paternity leave of the season. He previously took time off in April following the birth of his daughter with his wife, Mamiko Tanaka. The couple has not disclosed details about their latest pregnancy, though Ohtani and Tanaka have remained private about their family life. At 31, Ohtani is in the midst of a historic season with the Dodgers.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #baltimore_orioles #kyle_tucker #mamiko_tanaka

Tyler Callihan's Heroic Performance Propels Pirates to Victory Over Dodgers The Pittsburgh Pirates secured a dramatic 9-8 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in a thrilling matchup at PNC Park, thanks to a standout performance from rookie Tyler Callihan. Callihan, who had already hit his first Major League Baseball home run earlier in the game against Shohei Ohtani, delivered another unforgettable moment by launching a three-run shot in the bottom of the eighth inning. The home run flipped the game in the Pirates’ favor, ending a four-game losing streak and showcasing Callihan’s emerging talent. Callihan’s heroics began in the fourth inning when he launched a solo home run off Ohtani, marking his first career MLB hit. The game took a pivotal turn in the seventh when Brandon Lowe doubled to plate two runs, extending the Pirates’ lead to 6-3 and prompting the Dodgers to pull Ohtani from the mound. Despite Oht, who entered the game with a sparkling 0.74 ERA, the Pirates continued to chip away, with Callihan adding a second home run in the eighth inning. The game remained tense until the ninth, where Gregory Soto closed it out, though Ohtani managed to hit a home run in the final frame. The Pirates’ offensive resurgence came at a critical time. Entering the game, Pittsburgh had struggled to score runs, averaging just 2.75 per contest over the previous four games. The team’s struggles were compounded by the absence of Oneil Cruz, who was sidelined with a hand injury. Cruz’s absence created an opportunity for Callihan, who started in right field and batted seventh. “I don’t know if anybody could fill his void. He’s spectacular,” Callihan said, acknowledging Cruz’s impact while expressing confidence in the team’s ability to adapt. Callihan’s performance was a testament to his resilience.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #pittsburgh_pirates #pnc_park #tyler_callihan

Los Angeles Angels Unlikely to Trade Mike Trout Despite Struggles The Los Angeles Angels, currently languishing at the bottom of the MLB standings with one of the worst farm systems in the league, are not expected to trade star player Mike Trout before the trade deadline. Despite their poor performance this season, owner Arte Moreno has shown no willingness to move Trout, a decision that has surprised many analysts and fans. This stance mirrors Moreno’s approach in 2023, when the team faced similar challenges. At that time, the Angels were trying to decide whether to trade Shohei Ohtani, who was set to become a free agent at the end of the year. However, Moreno reacted angrily in July 2022 when the front office proposed trading Ohtani, setting a precedent that continued through the 2023 season. Even though the Angels made Ohtani available, no serious trade discussions materialized. The 2023 season was a turning point for the Angels, as they finished with a respectable 56-51 record and remained within four games of a playoff spot. This contrast highlights the current situation, as the team now shares the worst record in MLB with the Colorado Rockies at 24-39. The Angels’ farm system is also ranked third-worst in the league, further complicating their rebuilding efforts. Trout, who has been a cornerstone of the team’s success, is not the same caliber player as Ohtani was in 2023. However, his current contract includes four more years and $148.5 million in guaranteed salary, making him a difficult asset to trade. Despite the Angels’ struggles, Trout has remained healthy and is having one of his best seasons in recent years. He is hitting .240 with a .411 on-base percentage and .479 slugging average, tallying 14 home runs in 62 games.#shohei_ohtani #mlb #mike_trout #los_angeles_angels #arte_moreno

Phillies Face Shohei Ohtani and Dodgers in Apple TV Exclusive The Philadelphia Phillies will take on the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend in a matchup featuring Shohei Ohtani, but the games will not be broadcast on traditional network television. Instead, Friday night’s contest will stream exclusively on Apple TV as part of the tech giant’s Friday Night Baseball doubleheader, which begins at 10:15 p.m. This marks the fifth season of Apple TV’s seven-year, $595 million deal with Major League Baseball, a partnership that has seen the streaming service’s monthly cost rise from $6.99 to $12.99. Despite the price increase, Apple TV is offering a free one-month trial to attract subscribers. While the Phillies’ game will not air on NBC Sports Philadelphia or other traditional platforms, Apple TV provides several unique features. One standout perk is the ability to switch the audio feed to 94.1 WIP, the Phillies’ radio broadcast, with Scott Franzke and Kevin Stocker’s play-by-play perfectly synced to the stream’s high-definition footage and minimalist graphics. However, the constant probabilities and live gambling updates included in the broadcast may be distracting for some viewers. Franzke, who has called every Phillies game this season, noted that the shift to Apple TV has not significantly altered his routine. “For us, it’s business as usual,” he said. “There might be a few extra people listening or consuming the game that way, but for us it doesn’t really change a whole lot.” The broadcast for Friday’s game will feature Wayne Randazzo, the TV voice of the Los Angeles Angels and cousin of MLB umpire Tony Randazzo, alongside Dontrelle Willis, a former Phillies pitcher turned analyst, and Heidi Watney, who will report from Dodgers Stadium.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #philadelphia_phillies #apple_tv #nbc_sports_philadelphia

Shohei Ohtani Responds to Dodgers' Hitting Break with First Homer Since April 26 The Los Angeles Dodgers had planned to give their star player a mental and physical break from the batter’s box, but Shohei Ohtani defied expectations by delivering his first home run since April 26. The decision came after a rough stretch at the plate, with Ohtani struggling to find his rhythm and the Dodgers suffering a four-game losing streak. Manager Dave Roberts announced the plan to rest Ohtani during a four-game series against the San Francisco Giants, aiming to help the two-way superstar regain his form. However, Ohtani’s performance in a critical game Tuesday night proved that the break might not have been necessary. Roberts had already hinted at the possibility of sitting Ohtani during his scheduled pitching start against the Giants, confirming the plan a day after stating his intention to provide the player at least one day off. The manager’s strategy was rooted in the belief that a temporary respite could help Ohtani recalibrate his approach at the plate. “It certainly should be on the table,” Roberts said Monday when asked about the potential day off. Yet, Ohtani’s response to the plan was immediate and decisive. In the leadoff spot against Giants righty Adrian Houser, Ohtani began the game with a single in the first inning. Just moments later, he launched a 398-foot home run into the third inning, giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. Despite the early momentum, the Giants rallied to win 6-2, handing the Dodgers their fourth consecutive loss. The result underscored the challenges the team faces, as they now sit at 24-18, a half-game behind the first-place San Diego Padres in the NL West. Ohtani’s performance in the game was a stark contrast to his recent struggles.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #san_francisco_giants #dave_roberts #adrian_houser