Dodgers must protect Shohei Ohtani from himself

The Dodgers have tried doing this Shohei Ohtani’s way.They have kept Ohtani in their lineup as a designated hitter while he takes a break from pitching.Now, more than three weeks after the last game he pitched, Ohtani continues to experience discomfort in both his left knee and right biceps.The plan isn’t working – or, at very least, is working slower than expected.Time to change the approach.As much as Ohtani might loathe it, the Dodgers have to do what he wouldn’t do on his own.  They have to shut him down.Place him on the injured list for the next 10 days and give his body a real chance to recover.The decision has to be taken out of Ohtani’s hands.

Ohtani wants to play – and he can because of his high pain threshold.That doesn’t mean he should.Too much is at stake here, both for the team and for Ohtani.The Dodgers need Ohtani to pitch for them in October, and he’s already lost close to a month in his attempt to get back on the mound.

He can’t afford to risk losing even more time.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story Already, manager Dave Roberts said, Ohtani is approaching the point at which he would have to rebuild his arm strength.Better to do that now than in the weeks leading up the playoffs.Will Smith’s situation should be instructive.Smith hasn’t played since June 5 because of an inflamed disc in his neck.

When the All-Star catcher was sidelined, he initially kept working out.One problem: The condition that landed him on the injured list never improved.Around the All-Star break, the Dodgers shut him down.

After about a week of that, Smith was finally pain-free.He has since resumed baseball activities.In the case of Ohtani, he’s doing more than working out.

He’s playing in games.Speaking to reporters at Dodger S...