Dave Roberts said on July 29, 2026, that Shohei Ohtani is out of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup because of soreness in his knee, not the previously reported bicep issue. "This is more of just uh the soreness of the knee," Roberts said during a press conference.
Roberts said he expects Ohtani to be available off the bench that night and back in the starting lineup the following day, adding, "Very, very confident. Yes," when asked about Ohtani's return. He noted that lineup decisions depend on Ohtani's own communication about how he feels rather than any attempt to anticipate his condition. "I can't read minds, the training staff can't read minds. So, um, just for him to communicate that then allows for us to make a decision," Roberts explained.
Asked about shutting Ohtani down entirely, Roberts acknowledged it is difficult to take that decision out of the player's hands when Ohtani himself feels ready to play. He referenced managing Freddie Freeman in a similar way in past seasons, saying players are treated fairly but according to their own circumstances. Roberts also noted he has managed Ohtani differently in 2026 to help protect him as he returned to full two-way duty, and mentioned that Ohtani had previously been shut down from pitching due to knee issues before this latest absence.
On the bicep issue separate from the knee soreness, Roberts said Ohtani has been doing plyometric work consistently and stated he hopes Ohtani will begin throwing and playing catch that weekend or early the following week.
Roberts also praised Blake Snell's rehab outing, saying Snell allowed one hit and struck out nine batters over four innings. He said a decision is pending on whether Snell needs another rehab start, noting that Snell will meet with the front office and Mark to discuss next steps. Roberts described a separate injured player's rehab process as uncharted territory, involving weightlifting, cardio work, and some throwing, with a rehab assignment expected to follow. Roberts noted that Ohtani had wanted to play that night despite the soreness, reflecting his desire to always be on the field, though Roberts confirmed he would not be in the lineup for that game.