Dave Roberts ‘Optimistic’ Shohei Ohtani Returns Saturday vs. White Sox

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke after the team’s loss to the Chicago White Sox and relayed a positive message about Shohei Ohtani.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Compared to the rest of the team, Ohtani was the last one to arrive in Chicago, appearing in a clean outfit and with his suitcase. He did not put on his baseball uniform for Friday, June 12th’s game against the White Sox.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Roberts had said that Ohtani would likely play on Friday, but the Dodgers ended up playing it safe and holding out their star player to keep him upright.

class="wp-block-paragraph">There was no specific play that led to Ohtani getting hurt — rather, it was just a result of an accumulation of pain.

Jun 12, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) is seen in the dugout during the game against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn ImagesHis injury is officially left knee inflammation, the same knee that he had surgery on six years ago.

class="wp-block-paragraph">After Friday’s game, Roberts provided a more detailed update on what Ohtani did upon landing and on his return timeline.

class="wp-block-paragraph">“He just got treated, so talking to the training staff just right now, I’m optimistic, but I want to get him through tonight, get him here, go through some semblance of a workout, getting his body ready, and then we’ll go from there,” Roberts said of Ohtani.

class="wp-block-paragraph">The skipper was asked directly if he was optimistic about Ohtani’s status for Saturday, and Roberts gave a firm “yes.”

Jun 12, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) is seen in the dugout during the game against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn ImagesShohei Ohtani’s knee scan results

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The Dodgers sent Ohtani for a scan on his left knee and found no structural damage, a huge sigh of relief as it would have led to a more serious outlook.

class="wp-block-paragraph">“It’s just the normal wear and tear,” Roberts said. “I thought initially it was a hamstring. It was the knee. So, it just kind of got upset, swelled up a little bit.

class="wp-block-paragraph">“So we were kind of getting ahead of it. (It was) smart getting him out of the game which I think was prudent. And then with the travel, it’s just to give him an extra day.

class="wp-block-paragraph">“My hope is that he’s in there tomorrow. But if not, he’ll need another day. But it’s something that I think we can manage. Not an IL situation.”