Dodgers rest Ohtani, shift his start to Friday

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani will not start on the mound as scheduled on Wednesday, July 1, against the Oakland Athletics in West Sacramento, California. Manager Dave Roberts announced the decision, citing a desire to give Ohtani extra rest as the team navigates a stretch of 13 games in 13 consecutive days. Ohtani is now slated to pitch on Friday, July 3, when the Dodgers return home to face the San Diego Padres.

Roberts described the move as a straightforward scheduling decision aimed at preserving Ohtani’s health. He noted the pitcher agreed with the plan, which allows him to still make two starts before the All-Star break while facing division opponents. Ohtani will serve as the designated hitter in Wednesday’s series finale against the Athletics, with the Dodgers planning to use a bullpen game in his pitching absence.

The adjustment comes as Ohtani continues to manage a knee issue that Roberts has previously indicated is not fully healed. His last start was on Wednesday, June 24, in Minnesota, where he allowed three runs over six innings. For the season, Ohtani holds an 8-2 record with a 1.58 ERA over 13 starts, striking out 82 batters in 79 and two-thirds...