Dodgers outfielder exits with knee inflammation, expected back this weekend

Shohei Ohtani left Friday night's game in the seventh inning after developing left knee inflammation. He had gone 2-for-2 with a home run, two walks and two runs scored before exiting the Los Angeles Dodgers' 8-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Imaging conducted after the game revealed no structural damage.

The inflammation is located behind the knee near the hamstring, and Ohtani was born with a bipartite patella condition that has caused occasional irritation in the past.

Injury context and roster moves Manager Dave Roberts stated the club has limited concern and expects Ohtani to be in the lineup when the Dodgers visit the Chicago White Sox this weekend. Ohtani had the knee condition surgically addressed in 2019, and there is no indication the current issue is related.

The Dodgers also placed Will Smith on the 10-day injured list with neck inflammation. Dalton Rushing will serve as the primary catcher, with a player summoned from Triple-A Oklahoma City to act as backup.

Week 12 schedule notes Fantasy baseball's Week 12 features unusual scheduling because FIFA World Cup matches affect games in Kansas City, Philadelphia and Texas. Tuesday and Sunday are the only days when all 30 teams are scheduled to play. The Athletics and Los Angeles Angels are the only teams with seven games on the schedule.

The Athletics return to Sacramento's Sutter Health Park and are the lone club with as many as seven home games.