Shohei Ohtani, Dalton Rushing and more Dodgers injury updates

Shohei Ohtani remains sidelined for the fourth consecutive game as the Los Angeles Dodgers concluded their series against the Washington Nationals. Manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism that Ohtani's return is imminent, citing his positive performance in the batting cage. However, Ohtani has been grappling with lingering injuries, including knee and bicep pain, since July 3.

Neck soreness led to his early exit from Wednesday's game. The Dodgers are considering placing Ohtani on the injured list, which would result in a 15-game absence rather than the standard 10. Meanwhile, Dalton Rushing has been designated for the injured list following his late scratch from Saturday's lineup due to elbow pain. Rushing will undergo a rehab assignment once his 10 days on the IL are completed, allowing Hunter Feduccia to assume his left-handed reserve bat role.

Edwin Díaz, the closer, has made progress in his recovery from a neck injury by throwing a scoreless inning with a strikeout in his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Roberts anticipates Díaz will have another outing before rejoining the Dodgers.