Shohei Ohtani returns to Dodgers lineup following knee injuy

Published: Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 5:34 pm

Ohtani Returns to Dodgers Lineup After Brief Knee Scare

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has rejoined the team's lineup as designated hitter, just two days after being sidelined with left knee inflammation. The two-way phenom was removed from Thursday's game in Pittsburgh and subsequently missed Friday's series opener in Chicago against the White Sox.

Manager Dave Roberts had consistently downplayed the severity of the injury, stating from the outset that it was minor and unrelated to Ohtani's 2019 knee surgery for a congenital condition. Nevertheless, Ohtani's early exit from one game and absence from another naturally fueled some concern among fans and observers regarding a potentially more significant issue.

Ohtani's return to the starting nine on Saturday appears to have alleviated those immediate worries. Reports indicate that Ohtani did not exhibit any obvious signs of discomfort during Thursday's game, though some swelling was noted in the back of his knee. Crucially, Ohtani himself could not identify a specific incident that led to the inflammation.

The decision to remove Ohtani from Thursday's contest was described as a proactive measure by the club. This same cautious approach extended to his scheduled day off on Friday, even after imaging of his knee returned clear results.

Following Friday's loss, Roberts expressed optimism about Ohtani's availability for Saturday's game. Earlier in the day, he also indicated that the team still anticipates Ohtani making his next scheduled pitching start next Wednesday. While these hopes remained somewhat uncertain until Ohtani was actually back on the field, his return now allows the Dodgers to look forward with the expectation that his knee issue is behind him.

BNN's Perspective: The swift return of Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers lineup after a brief bout of knee inflammation is a welcome development. While any injury to a player of Ohtani's caliber can cause apprehension, the club's proactive management and the clean diagnostic results suggest this was a minor setback. The focus now shifts to ensuring his continued health as the season progresses, allowing him to contribute fully both at the plate and on the mound.

Tags: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers, knee inflammation, designated hitter, Dave Roberts, injury, lineup, pitching start, congenital condition, surgery

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