Shohei Ohtani Faces Challenges with Ongoing Blister and Knee Issues

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is currently grappling with two significant health concerns: a persistent blister on his pitching hand and inflammation in his knee. The knee discomfort manifested during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates last Thursday, leading to his absence from the lineup for one game before he returned to action against the Chicago White Sox.

Despite the challenges, Ohtani participated in every game through the series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays. In that outing, he struggled on the mound, allowing a season-high four runs and seven hits, which inflated his ERA to 1.47. Additionally, the blister on his pitching hand reappeared, this time visibly bleeding, raising concerns as it coincided with his two poorest pitching performances of the season.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the knee issue is still a concern, emphasizing the need for careful management to keep Ohtani healthy throughout the season. While he did not dismiss the idea of providing additional rest between starts, he expressed confidence in Ohtani's ability to maintain his regular schedule, stating, “I feel good that, right now, I don’t see why he won’t make his start.”

Ohtani himself downplayed the blister, describing it as a normal part of the game that he can manage. “It’s just part of the game,” he noted through an interpreter, adding that he generally felt good despite a disappointing fifth inning. The bleeding from the blister, according to Roberts, may have resulted from inadequate pregame treatment.

As the Dodgers aim for postseason success, the team's focus remains on Ohtani's health. With the competition for the Cy Young award heating up, any extended rest could impact his chances, but the priority will always be keeping him in top condition for the playoffs.