Dodgers notes: Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Yoshinobu Yamamoto

The Dodgers are riding high during their final homestand of the first half, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead over the San Diego Padres after shutting them out 3-0 on Saturday.

The latter game’s success was done without Shohei Ohtani in the lineup, as the two-way superstar was absent after striking out nine hitters in a no-decision on Friday. Ohtani is expected to return to the starting lineup on Sunday, although his injury concerns might forfeit his final scheduled start of the regular season on the mound, notes Sonja Chen of MLB.com.

“We don’t need to make that decision today, tomorrow, the next day, so we have time,” Roberts said. “And I think for us it’s just more of reading and reacting on how he feels.”

“We don’t need to make that decision today, tomorrow, the next day, so we have time,” Roberts said. “And I think for us it’s just more of reading and reacting on how he feels.”

Freddie Freeman has been one of the hottest hitters for the Dodgers ever since the middle of May, as he drove in two runs on Saturday including his 15th home run of the season, a feat he didn’t achieve last year until August. Freeman spoke with Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA about earning yet another All-Star selection, as the Dodgers’ first baseman was selected as the NL’s starting first baseman and garnering his 10th career selection prior to the start of Saturday’s contest.

“I just want to say thank you to the fans for voting me in. It’s a special one to go to. I get to have my family picture and do all that kinds of stuff. I know my boys are happy, and I’d say my girl too but I don’t think she knows what’s going on yet. It’s going to be awesome. 10 All-Star games— I couldn’t ask for a more special experience.”

“I just want to say thank you to the fans for voting me in. It’s a special one to go to. I get to have my family picture and do all that kinds of stuff. I know my boys are happy, and I’d say my girl too but I don’t think she knows what’s going on yet. It’s going to be awesome. 10 All-Star games— I couldn’t ask for a more special experience.”

Yoshinobu Yamamoto responded tremendously to the news of him being selected to his second consecutive All-Star game, as the right-hander shut down the Padres over seven scoreless innings while tying a career-high in strikeouts with 10 on Saturday night.

Yamamoto spoke with Watson following Saturday’s win, noting the amount of honor he has to represent his team in Philadelphia on July 14.

“It’s been such an honor to be selected on that All-Star team, and I was there last year. This year, I feel more meaningful and happiness.”

“It’s been such an honor to be selected on that All-Star team, and I was there last year. This year, I feel more meaningful and happiness.”