Shohei Ohtani was absent from the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Friday, June 12, 2026 [1], during a series opener against the Chicago White Sox.
The absence of the star player represents a critical moment for the Dodgers' roster management as they balance player health with competitive urgency. By keeping Ohtani off the injured list, the team maintains greater flexibility in their lineup options.
Ohtani did not play in the game at Rate Field in Chicago due to inflammation in his left knee [2]. Reports regarding the specific nature of the discomfort varied, with some sources citing left knee inflammation [2] and others noting pain in both the knee and hamstring of his left leg [4].
To determine the severity of the issue, the team utilized imaging. The results indicated that there was no structural damage to the knee [5]. This finding allowed the team to classify Ohtani as day-to-day rather than placing him on a formal injured list [1].
Manager Dave Roberts said the condition was "wear and tear" [5]. This terminology suggests that the inflammation is a result of the physical demands of the season rather than a sudden, acute injury.
The decision to avoid the injured list allows the Dodgers to keep Ohtani active on the roster. This move prevents the team from having to wait for a mandatory 10-day or 15-day recovery window before he can return to the field [1].
“imaging that showed no structural damage, only wear-and-tear”
The Dodgers are prioritizing a cautious approach to Ohtani's recovery to avoid a long-term absence. By avoiding the injured list, the team can reintegrate him into the lineup as soon as the inflammation subsides without the bureaucratic delay of a formal activation process, signaling that the medical staff views this as a manageable maintenance issue rather than a significant injury.
