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Dodgers Post Podcast Highlights Shohei Ohtanis Injury-Aided Performance and Upcoming Series
Los Angeles Dodgers two‑way star Shohei Ohtani is reportedly continuing to pitch and hit while dealing with a left‑knee injury and a blister on his pitching hand, according to a recent episode of the Dodgers Post podcast that aired on June 18 2026. The discussion followed Ohtani’s six‑inning, four‑run start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night and raised questions about whether the player should receive a longer rest period.
Ohtani’s left‑knee injury is a recurring issue that dates back to a surgery on the patella in September 2019. The Dodgers organization confirmed that the player was substituted in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 11 2026 because of inflammation in the same knee. The same knee has been a concern in previous seasons, and the team has managed the injury by limiting Ohtani’s innings. In addition to the knee problem, Ohtani has been battling a blister on the middle finger of his right hand. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted in a post‑game interview that the blister was “a little blister” that the player was managing while pitching.
The podcast episode, hosted by California Post baseball writers Dylan Hernandez and Jack Harris, focused on the balance between Ohtani’s workload and his health. Hernandez emphasized the value of the innings Ohtani provides as both a pitcher and a hitter, while Harris questioned whether the player could benefit from a more extended break after the Rays outing. The two commentators also discussed the Dodgers’ offensive lineup, noting that the team remains optimistic about Mookie Betts’ performance despite recent statistical anomalies that have earned Betts the label of the “unluckiest hitter” in Major League Baseball.
In addition to the injury discussion, the episode previewed the Dodgers’ upcoming series against the Baltimore Orioles. The series will feature a pivotal start from Roki Sasaki, a pitcher who has been in the Dodgers’ rotation since the 2025 season. Sasaki’s performance will be closely watched as the Dodgers look to maintain momentum in the National League West standings.
The Dodgers have not issued an official statement regarding Ohtani’s rest schedule, and the team is reportedly monitoring his knee and blister conditions closely. Ohtani’s continued participation in games is seen as critical to the Dodgers’ push for a third consecutive World Series title, a goal that the franchise has pursued since the 2024 championship.
As the Dodgers prepare for the Orioles series, the focus will remain on Ohtani’s health and the effectiveness of the pitching staff. The team’s front office has not announced any changes to the rotation, and Roki Sasaki is slated to start the first game of the series. The outcome of the series will have implications for the Dodgers’ position in the postseason race and will test the durability of the team’s two‑way talent.
In summary, the Dodgers Post podcast highlighted Shohei Ohtani’s ongoing battle with a left‑knee injury and a blister, the debate over his workload, and the team’s confidence in Mookie Betts’ ability to rebound from recent struggles. The upcoming series against the Orioles, featuring Roki Sasaki’s start, will serve as a key test for the Dodgers’ pitching depth and Ohtani’s ability to remain healthy as the season progresses.
Ohtani’s left‑knee injury is a recurring issue that dates back to a surgery on the patella in September 2019. The Dodgers organization confirmed that the player was substituted in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 11 2026 because of inflammation in the same knee. The same knee has been a concern in previous seasons, and the team has managed the injury by limiting Ohtani’s innings. In addition to the knee problem, Ohtani has been battling a blister on the middle finger of his right hand. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted in a post‑game interview that the blister was “a little blister” that the player was managing while pitching.
The podcast episode, hosted by California Post baseball writers Dylan Hernandez and Jack Harris, focused on the balance between Ohtani’s workload and his health. Hernandez emphasized the value of the innings Ohtani provides as both a pitcher and a hitter, while Harris questioned whether the player could benefit from a more extended break after the Rays outing. The two commentators also discussed the Dodgers’ offensive lineup, noting that the team remains optimistic about Mookie Betts’ performance despite recent statistical anomalies that have earned Betts the label of the “unluckiest hitter” in Major League Baseball.
In addition to the injury discussion, the episode previewed the Dodgers’ upcoming series against the Baltimore Orioles. The series will feature a pivotal start from Roki Sasaki, a pitcher who has been in the Dodgers’ rotation since the 2025 season. Sasaki’s performance will be closely watched as the Dodgers look to maintain momentum in the National League West standings.
The Dodgers have not issued an official statement regarding Ohtani’s rest schedule, and the team is reportedly monitoring his knee and blister conditions closely. Ohtani’s continued participation in games is seen as critical to the Dodgers’ push for a third consecutive World Series title, a goal that the franchise has pursued since the 2024 championship.
As the Dodgers prepare for the Orioles series, the focus will remain on Ohtani’s health and the effectiveness of the pitching staff. The team’s front office has not announced any changes to the rotation, and Roki Sasaki is slated to start the first game of the series. The outcome of the series will have implications for the Dodgers’ position in the postseason race and will test the durability of the team’s two‑way talent.
In summary, the Dodgers Post podcast highlighted Shohei Ohtani’s ongoing battle with a left‑knee injury and a blister, the debate over his workload, and the team’s confidence in Mookie Betts’ ability to rebound from recent struggles. The upcoming series against the Orioles, featuring Roki Sasaki’s start, will serve as a key test for the Dodgers’ pitching depth and Ohtani’s ability to remain healthy as the season progresses.
