“Is He Scared To Say It To Shohei Ohtani’s Face?” – Fans React After Dave Roberts Admits Texting Dodgers Star About Line-up Omission vs Cardinals

Shohei Ohtani, the exceptional LA Dodgers two-way player, did not appear in the starting lineup for Thursday’s series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals. The team's manager, Dave Roberts, informed Ohtani via text message that he wouldn't be playing. Roberts disclosed that Ohtani experienced discomfort in his right bicep and neck on Wednesday, and that putting him on the injured list isn't "completely off the table."

Fans promptly expressed their thoughts on Roberts' announcement. One fan questioned whether Roberts was "scared to say it to his face." Ohtani has also been dealing with a recurring left-knee issue that forced him to sit out his last start on July 3 against the Padres.

Roberts clarified that he still doesn't anticipate an injured list (IL) stint for Ohtani due to his neck and bicep problems. He stated that Ohtani will remain "day-to-day" and that the organization will re-evaluate his condition after Thursday. Roberts suggested that Ohtani should take Thursday as a day to rest both mentally and physically, and they will discuss his status after a day of rest.

Following the series against the Cardinals, the Dodgers will continue their nine-game home stretch by hosting the Nationals for a three-game series at Dodger Stadium, starting Friday.