Shohei Ohtani missed Friday's series opener against the White Sox due to left knee inflammation, one day after being removed from the Pirates game. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said imaging showed no structural damage, calling it "normal wear and tear" rather than an injured list situation.

Roberts explained Ohtani simply needs rest, noting the knee "got upset, swelled up a little bit" without a specific triggering event. The 2019 knee surgery history with the Angels provides context, though Roberts emphasized Ohtani's range of motion remains good and he feels "fine-ish."

At the plate, Ohtani bats .305 with 13 homers and 40 RBI, leading the National League with a .421 on-base percentage. His pitching numbers are equally dominant: 6-2 with a 1.06 ERA that would top the NL if he qualified. These performances keep him in MVP and Cy Young award conversations.

Roberts confirmed Ohtani remains scheduled to start Wednesday against the Rays, with the two-way star expected back in the lineup Saturday at the latest. The Dodgers' strategy maintains their unprecedented approach with Ohtani, treating this as a minor setback rather than a major disruption.