Dodgers' attempts to reassure fans on Shohei Ohtani's status aren't working

Shohei Ohtani is just fine. Sure, the Los Angeles Dodgers are asking a DH to pitch for them every sixth day, and now are doing so as that same two-way player has left knee inflammation, but everything's fine! The Dodgers have walked a fine line with Ohtani since they acquired him, and eventually, their aggressive approach might backfire, but that time isn't now, per Dave Roberts.

Ohtani pitched again on Wednesday, and threw well against the Tampa Bay Rays. The question isn't whether Ohtani can fight through injury and give the Dodgers good starts. But will it come back to bite Roberts and Co. down the line?

The Dodgers aggressive approach with Shohei Ohtani could backfire

Ohtani has shown no signs of wear and tear. For all we know, he's fine, just as the Dodgers say he is. At some point, though, Ohtani is bound to run into a roadblock. The Dodgers could easily extend his prime years by, ya know, proceeding with caution, but that's not how this franchise works.

The Dodgers want to win now, and it's tough to blame them given a World Series three-peat is on the line. Ohtani starts every six days on the mound and is a stand-in at DH in the meantime. That is a lot to ask of one player, and as much as Ohtani has made the most of his time in MLB, if the Dodgers aren't careful with their $700 million man, they could be paying for lost seasons.

What the Dodgers can do to sustain Shohei Ohtani's success

What seems to be driving Ohtani this season is that he could win his first NL Cy Young award. Shohei has a .966 OPS and 170 OPS+, but that's not where he's making the most storylines. Rather, Ohtani is among the odds-on favorites to win his first Cy Young, since he has a 1.47 ERA in 12 starts. Roberts didn't sound remotely concerned.

"I saw that he had just a catch-play right now," Roberts told reporters. "He's going to do his touchy-feely deal from the mound in a little bit. I saw him play some catch. Looks good, feels good. Look forward to him making a start tomorrow."

The Dodgers have split up Ohtani's starts for every six-to-seven days. They'd be better-served opting for the more conservative side of that argument. Not only has Ohtani pitched in each of the last two seasons, he did so in the postseason as well. That means less offseason rest, and Ohtani is just a couple years removed from elbow surgery.

Given Ohtani's recent injury history, skipping a start could be in his best interest. It's not like the Dodgers are starving for rotation options, even with Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell out. Los Angeles can afford a night without an Ohtani start. If that benefits them in October, it'll be well worth their while.

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