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.

Ohtani showed signs of discomfort in the Dodgers' 8-6 home loss to the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 2. He went 0-for-4, but did walk and score a run.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani told the team he had discomfort in his biceps and neck during the game.

The Dodgers have not placed Ohtani on the injured list, but it hasn't officially been ruled out either. The Dodgers will treat Ohtani's status for the moment as "day-to-day."

The manager said he will need to have further conversations with Ohtani before deciding on the next step.

"I think for me it's just getting with him…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/