Shohei Ohtani reveals how knee injury limits his movement on field

Shohei Ohtani has revealed the exact ways his lingering knee injury limits him on the field. The Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star told reporters on July 12 that the damage affects his lateral movement most, especially when fielding grounders or tracking fly balls.

Ohtani described the injury’s impact during a pre-game media session at Dodger Stadium. He said the knee’s stiffness and reduced range of motion make quick side-to-side steps harder, forcing him to compensate with positioning rather than athleticism. The two-time MVP also noted the injury flares up during colder weather, which can slow his reaction time in the outfield.

The Dodgers rely on Ohtani’s elite defense in left field and his baserunning to fuel their offense. If his knee limits his range, it could shorten rallies by turning potential outs into hits, or cost them runs by allowing extra-base hits. Manager Dave Roberts has already shuffled Ohtani’s defensive positioning, often keeping him in the less demanding corner of the outfield to reduce strain.

Ohtani has tweaked his pre-game routine, adding extra stretching and icing to manage the swelling. He’s also cut back on aggressive steals and bunts, two plays that demand explosive starts. The team’s medical staff has limited his in-game mobility drills, focusing instead on controlled rehab during batting practice. So far, he’s avoided the injured list, but the Dodgers are treating every outing as a risk-reward call.

The Dodgers plan to re-evaluate Ohtani’s knee after the All-Star break, with imaging scans scheduled for July 18. If the damage worsens, they may push him to the IL for rest. Until then, Ohtani insists he’s managing the injury well enough to contribute both at bat and in the field. The team’s next homestand starts Friday, giving them five days to monitor his progress before a tough series against the Padres.