​MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani is out of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup Thursday night against the St. Louis Cardinals as the team continues to manage lingering physical issues. Manager Dave Roberts addressed the situation before the game, making it clear that Ohtani’s health is more important than simply getting his name into the lineup.Ohtani’s absence comes one night after he went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in the Dodgers’ 8-6, 10-inning loss to St. Louis. Roberts said afterward that Ohtani was “not close to optimal” physically.MORE:Jacob Misiorowski makes MLB history, becomes first pitcher in 41 years to accomplish featRoberts isn’t going to force Ohtani into the lineupAug 3, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts looks on from the dugout prior to a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Roberts was asked about Ohtani’s status before Thursday’s game and explained that the situation is being handled on a day-to-day basis.Ohtani reportedly wants to continue playing, but Roberts isn’t going to put his superstar back into the lineup simply because he feels obligated to do so.“He’s day-to-day,” Roberts said. “He wants to be in there, but I’m not gonna just put him in there because of the name on the back of his jersey.”That is a pretty significant statement considering just how important Ohtani is to the Dodgers.The four-time MVP has been dealing with lingering issues involving his right biceps and neck, while his left knee has also been a concern. Roberts said Ohtani’s symptoms have not improved in recent weeks and that the team needs to determine what is best for him moving forward.MORE:Yankees, Aaron Boone announce new pitching plans for weekend series in San DiegoOhtani’s pitching return is also uncertainApr 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani pitches against the New York Mets in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The Dodgers aren’t only trying to figure out when Ohtani should hit again. His return to the mound is also becoming increasingly uncertain.Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 because of lingering left knee and right biceps issues. He threw a 20-pitch bullpen session last Friday but was subsequently scratched from a potential start in Detroit.Roberts said Wednesday that Ohtani potentially not pitching again this season is “an option,” although the Dodgers still hope to get him back on the mound. Before being shut down, Ohtani was 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts.That makes Thursday’s decision to give him the night off particularly important.The Dodgers are chasing another World Series championship, but they know they need a healthy Ohtani when October arrives. Roberts said there are still several weeks remaining in