Dodgers finally make awaited Shohei Ohtani decision, hope to have MVP back for the playoffs

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been trying to figure out for a week now what to do with superstar Shohei Ohtani as he battles an injury. His only start in the last week came on Monday night against the Cincinnati Reds.

Ohtani’s injury is pretty serious, especially considering he has remained in the lineup whenever he has been able to play. He has been dealing with a mix of issues involving his bicep and knee.

“Shohei Ohtani was out of the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup for sixth time in seven games Wednesday night after the two-way superstar felt something in his right arm during a swing two days earlier. Ohtani has been managing lingering soreness in his right biceps and left knee for weeks now, but he waited until after Tuesday night's game to tell the training staff about his arm after playing Monday,” ESPN wrote.

On Wednesday night, it was announced that the Dodgers are finally going to place Ohtani on the injured list.

“The Dodgers are placing Shohei Ohtani on the injured list. He must go on the 15-day IL as a two-way player. The earliest he can return is Sept. 23. The wild-card round starts Sept. 29. The NLDS would start Oct. 3. Josue De Paula will likely replace Ohtani as the everyday DH,” Dodgers reporter Noah Camras wrote.

With the playoffs looming, giving Ohtani all the time he needs to heal is the best move the Dodgers can make. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has expressed regret and wishes the team had put him on the IL when the injury first occurred.

“Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts voiced regret from the organization over their handling of Shohei Ohtani’s injury. According to manager Dave Roberts, who spoke with the media, including Dodgers Nation, the team would love to go back and put Ohtani on the injured list,” Dodgers Nation’s Nelson Espinal wrote.

LA is finally bringing up its top prospect, Josue De Paula, which should bring plenty of excitement to the organization in the midst of uncertainty. The good news for the Dodgers is that Ohtani will be well-rested, and it looks like they are in a great spot to earn a first-round bye in the playoffs.

That means Ohtani would not have to be back until October 3 if he wants to play in the playoffs. Pitching is likely out the window until next year, but he can still make the biggest impact with his bat when he returns. Finally, the Dodgers made a move to protect their franchise guy.

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