Shohei Ohtani out of Dodgers lineup as injury concerns mount

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to make Shohei Ohtani‘s health a priority in order to help preserve him for a postseason run.

The Dodgers are looking to become the third franchise to secure a World Series three-peat.

Ohtani is expected to play a key role in trying to make that happen, but he will need to be healthy to do it.

Ohtani was not in the starting lineup as a designated hitter on Thursday, Sept. 3. It is the first time he has not been in the lineup since July 30.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did not place Ohtani on the injured list, but it hasn’t officially been ruled out. The Dodgers will treat Ohtani’s status as “day-to-day.”

The manager stated he will have to have further conversations with Ohtani before determining if he will be available to come off the bench for the next few games.

Ohtani is known for his two-way ability but has been limited to just hitting for most of this season due to injuries.

Ohtani was working toward making his first pitching start since July 3 due to knee inflammation and biceps discomfort.

Ohtani had a short bullpen session on Aug. 28, but it wasn’t enough to give the superstar the green light to get on the mound for a game.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shohei Ohtani out of Dodgers lineup as injury concerns mount