Ohtani’s Injury Puts Dodgers’ Playoff Plans in Focus

Shohei Ohtani missed his third consecutive game Saturday as the Dodgers managed lingering pain in his knee, right biceps and neck, though he remained day to day and had not been placed on the injured list. Manager Dave Roberts said he was hopeful but not confident Ohtani could avoid the IL, which would require at least 15 days for a two-way player and could sideline him until Sept. 18, leaving nine regular-season games. An MRI reportedly found no significant structural damage, but Ohtani’s recent slump and visible discomfort raised concerns about his health. He also stopped throwing plyo balls, delaying his pitching comeback and making a regular-season return to the mound increasingly uncertain. The Dodgers beat Washington 5-3 Friday and remained atop the NL West, with Ohtani’s availability a significant factor in their postseason plans.