Shohei Ohtani injury scare could alter Dodgers' October plans

Key Points:

• Dodgers manager Dave Roberts informed Shohei Ohtani via text that he would not be in the lineup for Thursday's game due to lingering right biceps and left knee pain, highlighting the team's cautious approach to his health.
• Ohtani has struggled offensively, hitting just .241 in August with only two hits in his last six games, and his pitching return remains uncertain as his throwing program has stalled twice since July.
• General manager Brandon Gomes emphasized the uniqueness of Ohtani's injuries and the difficulty in predicting recovery, stating that an injured list stint is unlikely and that the team prefers giving him rest days rather than sidelining him for extended periods.
• The Dodgers have delayed decisions on whether Ohtani will pitch again this season, balancing the potential upside against the risk of further injury, while the recent acquisition of pitcher Tarik Skubal has alleviated some pressure on Ohtani to return to the mound.
• In Ohtani's absence, teammates like Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernández have stepped up offensively, with Hernández delivering a walk-off double to secure a 3-2 win over the Cardinals and avoid a series sweep.