Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced on June 12, 2026, that MRI results showed no structural damage to Shohei Ohtani's knee, describing it as normal wear and tear with some swelling. "We got some pictures. Uh, there was no findings. It's just the normal wear and tear," Roberts stated during a press conference.
Roberts confirmed there was no specific incident that caused Ohtani's knee soreness, with the player unable to identify when it occurred. "There is no incident. We don't know; he doesn't know," Roberts noted. He described the knee soreness as located in the back area where swelling typically builds up, explaining, "He said that there was some soreness in the back and then that's where the swelling is at."
The manager emphasized the decision to rest Ohtani was precautionary management rather than injury-related necessity. "Just giving him an extra day is the smart thing to do," Roberts explained. He acknowledged ongoing conversations about tempering Ohtani's aggressive baserunning to protect his health, adding, "I think we've done a good job of really tempering the stolen base attempts in 2026."
Roberts also discussed his personal relationship with Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable, having coached him as a player with the Padres. "Will's a little brother to me. Um, I coached him when I was with the Padres when he was a player," Roberts said. He praised Venable's character and approach, calling him unflappable and someone who does things the right way.
Regarding other roster moves, Roberts mentioned that Brock Stewart is beginning a rehab assignment with an uncertain timeline based on workload response. Roberts noted that Ohtani is expected to return Tuesday if everything goes well, stating, "My hope is that he's in there tomorrow. Um, but if not, he'll need another day."