Key facts
- Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup Saturday after being sidelined by left knee inflammation.
- He hit a leadoff home run in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox.
- Ohtani is expected to pitch on Wednesday against Tampa Bay.
- He had previously left a game Thursday due to the knee issue.
- Manager Dave Roberts stated Ohtani felt great and had no regression.
Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting lineup on Saturday, hitting a leadoff home run against the Chicago White Sox after being sidelined by inflammation in his left knee. The star player connected on a 1-0 fastball from White Sox pitcher Sean Burke for his 14th homer of the season, a 409-foot drive.
Ohtani, who had been rested during Friday's game, experienced the knee inflammation on Thursday night. Manager Dave Roberts stated that Ohtani felt great and had no regression after treatment. The two-way star remains on track to pitch on Wednesday against Tampa Bay, having tested his knee by playing catch before Saturday's game.
Ohtani began the day with a .305 batting average and 40 RBIs in 67 games for the Dodgers. On the mound, he has a 6-2 record with a 1.06 ERA in 11 starts. Additionally, manager Dave Roberts mentioned that pitcher Justin Wrobleski is expected to make his next start Tuesday despite a left hamstring contusion.