Shohei Ohtani threw 110 pitches for the Dodgers against the Padres, then exited in the seventh late with a right biceps tightness that flared on a swing. He struggled with command, issuing six straight balls to start and allowing nine baserunners in six innings, yet struck out nine and surrendered three runs. Teoscar Hernández’s seventh‑inning grand slam delivered a crucial 4‑3 win for Los Angeles.

Roberts called the biceps issue a precaution, noting Ohtani had dealt with a similar flare‑up months earlier and recovered quickly. After the game the star received an ice pack on his left knee, a lingering concern that has required regular briefly maintenance but did not affect his performance. The Dodgers will sit Ohtani Saturday to grant extra recovery time today.

The move pushes back Ohtani’s next start, raising doubts about his participation in the All‑Star Game and whether he will pitch again before the break. Roberts said any option, including skipping the upcoming start, remains on the table. With the Dodgers now 5‑2 in their division, preserving their two‑way ace could prove decisive as the race still tightens.