Ohtani set for DH duty as Dodgers ease his knee into second half
ESPN Fantasy reports Shohei Ohtani will hit this weekend after knee treatment, with several MLB injuries and roster moves also in play.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
Shohei Ohtani is expected to stay out of the Dodgers’ rotation for the first few games after the All-Star break, while still taking his swings as Los Angeles opens its weekend series against the Yankees in the Bronx.
ESPN Fantasy writer Todd Zola reported Friday that Ohtani had fluid drained from his left knee during the break and then received an injection. Zola reported that the two-way star is not scheduled to pitch until later next week, though he is set to serve as the Dodgers’ designated hitter against New York.
The update lands as MLB returns to a full schedule following the break, with fantasy managers and clubs sorting through injury checks, suspensions, call-ups and trade-deadline tinkering.
Friday slate starts with a doubleheader
The first full day back includes a day-night doubleheader between the Red Sox and Rays at Fenway Park, according to Zola. The opener is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET.
Willson Contreras is set to serve the final game of his suspension during the afternoon game, Zola reported, which would make him available for the nightcap.
The Phillies and Mets are idle Friday after beginning their second half Thursday night at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets won that game 4-1, and the clubs are scheduled to continue the series Saturday.
Judge, Perdomo injury checks continue
Aaron Judge was due to be reevaluated over the All-Star break, but Zola reported there had been no updates about a possible MRI for the Yankees slugger’s rib issue.
According to Zola, the Yankees did not expect the problem to be resolved during the break, though they were looking for signs of progress that could help determine what comes next.
Diamondbacks infielder Geraldo Perdomo also needed attention during the break. Zola reported that Perdomo received a cortisone shot in his left hand and is questionable for Friday night’s game against the Cardinals in Arizona.
Manager Torey Lovullo expressed confidence that the issue is not serious, according to Zola, who noted Perdomo has dealt with similar trouble before.
Nationals turn to Harry Ford
The Nationals placed catcher Drew Millas on the 10-day injured list with a broken finger, Zola reported. Washington indicated that Harry Ford will be called up from Triple-A Rochester to back up Keibert Ruiz.
Ford’s minor league season has been a split picture. Zola reported that he opened with a .174/.287/.209 line across his first 23 games, then improved to .262/.428/.434 after that stretch.
Trades and call-ups around the league
The Red Sox added infield and outfield depth by acquiring Jahmai Jones from the Tigers, according to Zola, one of the early moves ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
The Brewers made a rotation-focused deal with the Astros, adding Lance McCullers Jr. and Colton Gordon while sending Jadyn Fielder to Houston, Zola reported. McCullers is nearing a return from a shoulder impingement and could join Milwaukee’s rotation next week.
Milwaukee needs arms, with Brandon Woodruff possibly out for the season because of another shoulder injury and Kyle Harrison on the 15-day injured list with forearm tightness, according to Zola.
The Athletics promoted corner infielder Tommy White from Triple-A Las Vegas with Nick Kurtz and Zack Gelof out. Zola reported White hit .303/.345/.489 at Las Vegas, while Kurtz and Gelof are both hoping to return early next week.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.