Roberts to monitor Ohtani's workload before playoffs — Taipei Times

In San Francisco, United States, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he will monitor Shohei Ohtani's workload before the start of the MLB playoffs. The Japanese baseball player returned after a 13-game stint on the injured list due to discomfort in his right biceps, Taipei Times reports.

According to Roberts, the most important thing for the team is that Ohtani is healthy, can play for the Dodgers and bat first in the lineup. The manager said he trusts the player to manage his workload independently and stay in contact with the team's medical staff.

Return after injury

On Friday, Ohtani played his third consecutive game after returning to the field on Wednesday against San Diego. In the Dodgers' 2-0 win over the San Francisco Giants, he went hitless in four at-bats and struck out three times.

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This season, Ohtani has a .276 batting average, 30 home runs and 81 RBIs. As a pitcher, he has earned eight wins against two losses, made 14 starts and has a 1.79 ERA. At the same time, he will not take the mound again this year due to injuries.

Preparing for the playoffs

The reigning World Series champions will have five days off during the wild-card round while waiting for their opponent in the first round of the playoffs. This time should allow Ohtani to train, including taking simulated at-bats, while also getting sufficient rest.

Roberts believes that the final five regular-season games and 20 to 23 at-bats will be enough to prepare Ohtani for postseason games. The manager positively assessed the player's return, calling his at-bats and swings encouraging.