BREAKING: Shohei Ohtani will take the mound on Monday, August 21, 2023, against the Colorado Rockies, after being sidelined due to a chest cold. This crucial decision comes as the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for their upcoming series against the Baltimore Orioles, where catcher Will Smith has been ruled out with a bruised right hand.
Ohtani, the reigning National League MVP, was initially set to pitch Wednesday in Pittsburgh but was limited to designated hitter duties instead. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that this adjustment allows Ohtani to recover fully, stating,
“You want him to give his best chance to go five innings in his next start.”
Currently, Ohtani holds a 1-1 record with a 4.18 ERA over 11 starts this season, following his return from Tommy John surgery last year.
Meanwhile, Will Smith, a three-time All-Star, suffered a hand injury when he was struck by a foul ball during Wednesday’s game. Although X-rays returned negative, Smith’s participation in the three-game series starting Friday is highly unlikely, according to Roberts. Smith has been a key player for the Dodgers, boasting a batting average of .296 and 17 home runs this season.
In Smith’s absence, rookie catcher Dalton Rushing will assume primary catching duties. The Dodgers also announced the addition of veteran catcher Ben Rortvedt from Triple-A Oklahoma City, while infielder Alex Freeland was optioned back to the minors. Rortvedt has a career batting average of .186 and has played parts of four seasons in the majors.
Additionally, third baseman Max Muncy is expected to start a rehab assignment with Oklahoma City after being placed on the injured list with a strained right oblique on August 15. The Dodgers are actively managing their roster as they aim to maintain momentum in the postseason race.
Stay tuned for more updates on these developing stories as they unfold. The Dodgers will face the Orioles at Camden Yards starting Friday, August 25, 2023.