'Shockingly sudden' Ohtani unable to pitch even one inning... Manager Roberts: "Won't be 100% until season ends" — Pitcher's return again confirmed as off

*This content was translated by AI.

The return of MLB 'superstar' Shohei Ohtani (32, LA Dodgers) to the mound has been delayed once again.

According to MLB's official website, MLB.com, and other sources, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced on the 30th (Korean time) that Ohtani's scheduled start has been postponed.

After the Dodgers' road game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan, on this day, Manager Roberts stated, "Ohtani will not make a scheduled start against Detroit on the 31st."

Originally, Ohtani was scheduled to start as an opener in the game against Detroit on the 31st and pitch approximately one inning. However, his velocity and condition did not improve as expected, leading to the sudden cancellation of his appearance plans. As a result, right-handed ace Tyler Glasnow will take the mound for the 31st start.

Manager Roberts explained, "Ohtani's physical condition is still not at 100%. Honestly, it seems difficult for him to recover to 100% before the season ends. Given that there are other competitive pitchers available, Ohtani will continue his rehabilitation and recovery process."

This season, as a pitcher in the first half, Ohtani made 14 starts over 85⅔ innings, recording an impressive 8 wins, 2 losses, an ERA of 1.79, and 95 strikeouts.

However, injury has held him back. Due to persistent left knee pain, Ohtani stopped pitching after the game against the San Diego Padres on the 4th last month. Instead, he has continued to appear in games solely as a designated hitter.

Nevertheless, Ohtani continued preparing for live pitching. Ahead of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on the 23rd, he successfully completed live pitching, facing batters at the plate for the first time in 50 days.

Having recently completed bullpen sessions and live pitching in succession, Ohtani appeared to be on the verge of his return, but a final decision was made that returning to actual game pitching would be too much at this stage.

The Dodgers will begin a nine-game home series starting on the 2nd of next month, facing the St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals, and Cincinnati Reds in order.

Currently appearing only as a designated hitter, Ohtani started as the leadoff designated hitter in today's game against Detroit, recording one hit in four at-bats. The Dodgers lost to Detroit 1-2 amid a silent lineup.

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*This content was translated by AI.