Ohtani out of lineup for second straight game

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was sidelined for a second consecutive game on Friday, September 4, 2026, as he continues to manage lingering pain in his right biceps, neck, and left knee. The superstar has not been in the starting lineup since Wednesday, September 2, following a four-strikeout performance where he appeared to be in visible discomfort. Manager Dave Roberts stated that Ohtani's symptoms have not improved in recent weeks, and while he remains hopeful, Roberts was noncommittal about the possibility of a stint on the injured list. "Hopeful, but I wouldn't say confident," Roberts said before the Dodgers opened a three-game series against Washington. General Manager Brandon Gomes indicated that a 10-day injured list stint is not currently being considered, as the team would prefer not to be without Ohtani for that duration. Ohtani's injuries, which initially delayed his return to pitching, are now also affecting his hitting. He is batting .279 with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs in 133 games this season. However, his performance has declined recently, with a .203 batting average and a .742 OPS since August 15, a period that included a four-strikeout game on Wednesday.