Dodgers sit Shohei Ohtani to ‘build him up slowly’ after 2-strikeout return

On Tuesday night, Shohei Ohtani was absent from the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup, a day following his return from a four-day break due to persistent injuries. The baseball star went 0 for 3 at the designated hitter position in a 6-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night. Ohtani struck out twice and registered a walk in the game.

Manager Dave Roberts commented that Ohtani performed well but after consulting with the training staff, the decision was made to gradually build up Ohtani's stamina. Ohtani, the two-way superstar, has been struggling with lingering discomfort in his left knee and right biceps. He will not pitch again this season and will concentrate on improving his batting skills.

The baseball athlete will be available to pinch hit against the Reds, and Roberts anticipates Ohtani will resume playing in the lineup on Wednesday. In Ohtani's absence, Tommy Edman took his place in center field and led off the game, while Freddie Freeman served as the designated hitter as the NL West-leading Dodgers aimed for their fifth consecutive victory.