Shohei Ohtanis knee officially becomes championship-threatening problem for Dodgers

NEW YORK — This has become more than a precautionary measure.This has become a problem.The Dodgers’ season is riding on Shohei Ohtani’s left knee, and the discomfort felt by the two-way player in that knee is severe enough to where he won’t be able to pitch for “some time,” according to manager Dave Roberts.“It’s not going to be a day-to-day thing,” Roberts said.In other words, it’s more of a week-to-week thing, which could make it a championship-threatening thing.As much as Roberts sounded certain Ohtani would pitch again this season, what can the Dodgers count on him to do on the mound in October?As much as Roberts insisted that Ohtani was unaffected by his knee problems when hitting, how certain could they be that it won’t impede him in the batter’s box at some point?Considering Ohtani’s importance to the team, every aspect of this development was alarming.Roberts made a valiant effort to downplay Ohtani’s injury, but he wasn’t entirely convincing.“Honestly, a lot of it is where we’re at and how we’ve put ourselves in a good spot,” Roberts said.

“Could he probably do it? Sure.But right now, the benefits just don’t seem to outweigh the cost at this time of the season.”But just a couple of weeks ago, after his most recent start, Ohtani said that as frustrated as he was to pitch with knee pain, he was satisfied to be able to make each of his scheduled starts.“I always want to play when I can,” Ohtani said in Japanese.

“It’s not as if you can be in perfect condition every time you play.”So, has the condition of his knee worsened since?Ohtani skipped his previous turn in the rotation.He didn’t play in the All-Star Game.

Roberts said his knee was injected with a lubricant after the Dodgers’ final game leading into the All-Star break.The decision to shut down Ohtani from pitching was made before he had a chance to throw a bullpen session.Feeling what he felt playing catch this week, Roberts said, “was enough...