Ohtani May Miss Second Game With Injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers may be without designated hitter Shohei Ohtani for a second consecutive game as they begin a three-game home series against the Washington Nationals on Friday. Ohtani was given Thursday off due to continued discomfort in his right biceps and left knee, with manager Dave Roberts also citing neck soreness. The rest day followed Ohtani's season-high four strikeouts on Wednesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals. Ohtani's biceps soreness has been a persistent issue throughout the season, and his knee problem has prevented him from pitching since July 3. Despite the ongoing physical challenges, the Dodgers, who hold an 83-57 record, have not yet placed him on the injured list. Roberts indicated that Ohtani's performance on Wednesday was a "tipping point," and his availability for Friday's game would depend on how he feels. The Dodgers plan to start left-handed pitcher Blake Snell (2-1, 2.42 ERA) on Friday. Snell recently made his fourth start since returning from elbow surgery, allowing one run over five innings with 10 strikeouts. In seven career starts against the Nationals, Snell has a 3-1 record with a 2.35 ERA.