Dodgers News: Shohei Ohtani injury, Ben Rortvedt update, Dusty Baker's son signs with rival

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to insist Shohei Ohtani’s growing list of physical issues isn’t necessarily behind his recent collapse at the plate, but the timing is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Ohtani was held out of Thursday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals while mired in one of his worst stretches of the season, hitting just .137 with 20 strikeouts over 13 games since August 18. At the same time, he has dealt with problems involving both knees, his bicep and his neck, while his planned return to pitching has been pushed back.

Dodgers News: LA continues to downplay Shohei Ohtani's injury

General manager Brandon Gomes downplayed the connection, calling it “too hard to say” whether Ohtani’s ailments are affecting his performance and pointing instead to the natural “ebbs and flows” of a long season. But that explanation is becoming harder to accept at face value.

The Dodgers have repeatedly described individual injuries as manageable or limited to pitching, yet Ohtani continues to accumulate physical concerns while his production declines.

Gomes said an IL stint isn’t currently necessary, though Los Angeles could give Ohtani more rest if the ailments begin clearly inhibiting him. With October approaching, the bigger question is whether the Dodgers are waiting too long to protect their most important player.

Dodgers News: Ben Rortvedt outrighted to Triple-A following Will Smith's return

Ben Rortvedt will remain in the Dodgers organization after clearing waivers and being outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Los Angeles designated the 28-year-old catcher for assignment Tuesday after Will Smith returned from the injured list.

Rortvedt has the right to reject the outright assignment, but doing so would require him to forfeit the remainder of his $1.25 million salary. He also would not be eligible to play in the postseason for another club.

Rortvedt returned to the Dodgers at the trade deadline after bouncing between several organizations over the past two seasons. He previously played an important depth role for Los Angeles during its 2025 World Series run, taking over significant catching duties after Smith injured his hand. This season, however, Rortvedt has struggled badly at the plate, hitting just .185 with a .370 OPS across 27 at-bats with the Dodgers.

Los Angeles currently has Smith and Hunter Feduccia available behind the plate, while Dalton Rushing remains limited by a partial UCL tear in his right arm. Rortvedt now returns to Triple-A as experienced catching depth and would likely be among the Dodgers’ first options if they need another backstop down the stretch.

Dodgers News: Dusty Baker’s son joins rival Giants in notable NL West homecoming

The San Francisco Giants are finalizing a minor league deal with Darren Baker, the son of former Dodgers star Dusty Baker, with plans for the 27-year-old infielder/outfielder to join Triple-A Sacramento. The agreement is pending a medical review.

The connection adds another layer to the Dodgers-Giants rivalry. Dusty Baker spent eight seasons with Los Angeles, earning two All-Star selections and helping the Dodgers win the 1981 World Series. He is now a special advisor in San Francisco’s front office after previously managing the Giants from 1993-2002.

Darren Baker reached the majors with the Washington Nationals in 2024, going 7-for-14 across nine games. He later signed with the Chicago White Sox but was limited by injury this season and released July 31 after appearing in just 11 Triple-A games.

The younger Baker already has Giants history, too. He was the three-year-old bat boy famously pulled out of harm’s way by J.T. Snow at home plate during the 2002 World Series. Now, more than two decades later, he’s officially getting his own opportunity with the Dodgers’ biggest rival.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow