Dodgers hope Shohei Ohtani is better but are not so sure what to expect in playoffs

When it comes to Shohei Ohtani’s health, the Dodgers have plenty of hope — but few precise expectations.That, at least, was the way manager Dave Roberts framed his superstar’s status on the eve of the National League Division Series on Friday, saying he was hopeful Ohtani would play well after battling right arm and left knee injuries during the second half of the season, but also acknowledging that he was “not so sure” about exactly what the slugger would be able to provide.“I know that once the lights turn on, the postseason starts, [his] focus will be heightened,” Roberts said.“I expect good things.

I really do.We just haven’t seen it enough really for me to forecast it.”Indeed, as it has been for much of the last several months, Ohtani’s health remains a major question mark at the outset of the Dodgers’ pursuit of a third straight World Series.By all accounts, the 32-year-old made progress during the bye week the team had to begin the playoffs.While addressing reporters on Friday for the first time since before going on the injured list in mid-September — when his injuries had become so bad, he was showing visible signs of pain at the plate — Ohtani insisted his ailments had “gotten much better” and that the past few days had been “productive” for his previously slumping swing.“I think my swing has gotten better,” he said in Japanese.

“If I can make solid adjustments today, I think I can go into tomorrow in sufficient condition.”However, Roberts also reiterated that the four-time MVP is “not 100%,” following an 11-for-70 slump in his final 18 games of the regular season (the last five of which came after he returned from the IL last week).Ohtani, meanwhile, described his injuries as something he will have to continue to manage during the playoffs, unsure if further treatment will be needed in the offseason.During the Japanese portion of his news conference, he even revealed that, during his stint on the injured l...