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Shohei Ohtani out of Dodgers' lineup for Friday's game vs. White Sox

Shohei Ohtani is not in the lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ matchup with the Chicago White Sox on Friday.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters (including the California Post’s Jack Harris) that Ohtani had imaging exams performed on his knee, but no damage was found.

The four-time MVP’s availability for Saturday is uncertain, but Roberts hoped he would be able to play this weekend. Otherwise, Ohtani is expected to pitch for the Dodgers on Wednesday versus the Tampa Bay Rays.

Ohtani left Thursday’s 8-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the seventh inning with left knee inflammation. Following the game, Roberts said that Ohtani felt discomfort in his knee/hamstring area while running on a stolen base attempt.

The team decided to pull him from the game after that as a “proactive” measure. But Roberts said that his level of concern was “not high” and felt there was a good chance that Ohtani would be in Friday’s lineup. Obviously, the team decided that it would be better for him to sit out instead.

In 63 games this season, Ohtani is batting .305/. 421/.543 with 13 home runs, 15 doubles, 40 RBI and six stolen bases. He leads the National League with a .946 OPS in 298 plate appearances.

Santiago Espinal is starting at designated hitter in Friday’s lineup. The utility infielder, who bats right-handed, has a .250/,259/.365 slash line in 56 PAs.

Elsewhere in the Dodgers’ batting order, Chuckie Robinson gets the start at catcher and will bat ninth. Dalton Rushing had started the past four games behind the plate for Will Smith, who was placed on the injured list on Thursday.

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