NewzLOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani says his right biceps is not 100% in addition to his sore left knee, and both factored into the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way superstar not throwing a bullpen last week.The four-time MVP hasn't pitched in a game since July 3 but has continued to play regularly as the designated hitter for Los Angeles.“My biceps is not 100%,” Ohtani said through a translator Tuesday night while speaking with media for the first time since before the All-Star break. So I think the conversation would be a little different if we’re in August or September.”Ohtani hit his 10th leadoff home run of the season in a 7-6 loss to the Seattle Mariners. It was his 28th leadoff shot as a Dodger, tying him with the late Davey Lopes for second all-time.
Ohtani finished 3 for 4 with a walk, a double, three RBIs and a run."I do think that the road trip was exhausting for everyone. I do think that with the day off, he came in fresh and looked more like himself," manager Dave Roberts said. “Certainly the way he swung the bat, the way he’s running, he’s not compromised.
Until I hear otherwise, he’s going to be in the lineup.”Ohtani had a lubricant injection in his knee just before the All-Star break and he skipped the game in Philadelphia to rest.“I really took the All-Star break as that opportunity to really stay off my knees,” he said. "When I know it’s not, then it’s always a little harder to be aggressive on the basepath.”Ohtani said his knee is getting better, which is a priority.“I don’t think the team has really come to a place exactly where, do I pitch through it or not?” he said. "That’s still really up in the air.”If Ohtani's health issues don't improve, Roberts was asked whether it's possible the right-hander wouldn't pitch in the postseason for the two-time defending World Series champions.“I guess anything’s possible, but for me, it’s highly unlikely,” Roberts said.
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