Dodgers manager Dave Roberts saw a physically compromised Shohei Ohtani at the plate Wednesday night when the four-time MVP was 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. Roberts plans to talk with the training staff and Ohtani on Thursday to "really try to figure out where he's at physically" and weigh giving him a day off, though he doesn't think an injured list stint is needed.

"I saw the same thing that everyone saw," Roberts said after an 8-6 loss in 10 innings to the St. Louis Cardinals. "You could see the swing wasn't the swing that we're used to seeing. He's not close to optimal."

The two-way superstar hasn't pitched since July 3 due to lingering pain in his left knee and right biceps. He's hitting .279 after striking out four straight times for the first time this season. Roberts said Ohtani feels he needs to play if upright, but "if he's feeling the way that he visibly looks, then it's really not helping anyone."

Ohtani hasn't spoken to media in two weeks. Roberts remains unsure if Ohtani will pitch again this season, calling it "an option." Before being shut down, Ohtani was 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts. Moving to the outfield isn't "on the table right now," Roberts said.