He had played well in the first two games of the series, going 2 for 4 on Friday and 1 for 3 on Saturday, but he left that second game with some back problems for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dave Roberts wouldn’t let him play.

Ohtani was never able to defend his claim. On the morning of the Dodgers’ series finale at Petco Park, Roberts told interpreter Will Ireton that Ohtani wouldn’t be in the lineup, and that was that.

Ohtani did not play in the 4-0 loss to the Padres and the western division leader dropped another series against the friars.

“I think he understands what’s best for him and what’s best for the team,” Roberts said. “He certainly knows his body, now, with 13 in a row, I just wanted to make sure we were a little careful.”

Shohei Ohtani reports feeling better but has been instructed to take an earlier day off than anticipated to recover from back tightness. #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/TI54v3XLYC

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 12, 2024

The first three of those 13 games in a row have started for Los Angeles and even though they have a 5.5 game lead over the Padres, they have to be careful, after being 3-5 against them in the current MLB season so far.

Shohei Ohtani also agreed with Dave Roberts

Shohei Ohtani described the injury as minor, he said he initially felt discomfort in his back before Saturday’s game, but Roberts was reluctant to take any chances at this stage of the season, even against a division rival on Sunday.

“Regardless of the state of my back,” Ohtani said in Japanese, “I was thinking about the day off.”

So, everything was “ok” for a Sunday rest for Shohei. Roberts said Ohtani is expected to return Monday for the start of a three-game series in San Francisco.

Dave Roberts full comments on Shohei Ohtani's back tightness. He received word before his 4th at bat that his back tightened up and they didn't want to push it. Could be in the lineup tomorrow, but is leaning no for cautionary reasons.
©️SportsNetLA pic.twitter.com/Kp3cXviLUi

— James¹⁷¹⁸🎌 (@ShotimeLAD) May 12, 2024