Ohtani says he is still “not 100%,” Dodgers weigh whether to start him vs. Tigers

Shohei Ohtani is still not feeling fully ready, and the Dodgers are treating his next pitching opportunity as a live decision rather than a foregone conclusion. Manager Dave Roberts indicated before the Dodgers played the Tigers on Saturday that Ohtani was not “100%,” and that the team will continue to monitor how his body responds as it weighs whether to start him Sunday.

Roberts’ comments frame the dilemma as more than a single sore spot. The Dodgers are dealing with lingering inflammation and soreness in Ohtani’s left knee, according to the report. At the same time, the club’s internal discussion includes additional context from earlier this year, specifically a biceps-related issue that has been part of the broader concern about his availability to pitch.

For the Dodgers, the stakes of the decision go beyond one start. Ohtani’s pitching presence affects how the rest of the rotation lines up, how bullpen usage is managed, and how the team handles innings across the weekend series. If he is held back, the Dodgers have to reshape both the starting rotation plan for the immediate slate and the relief workload that follows.

The report underscores that Ohtani’s status is being evaluated through a health-and-preparedness lens, not simply a calendar one. “Not 100%” is a phrase that usually indicates caution and encourages teams to prioritize readiness over timetable, particularly for a pitcher who relies on precision and repeatable mechanics over multiple outings.

There is also an important competitive dimension to this matchup. Detroit represents a known opponent with a specific lineup profile, and the Dodgers’ willingness to commit their most impactful two-way talent to the mound depends on whether they believe his arm can handle the effort he typically brings. If the knee is still limiting, it can alter how a pitcher plants and drives, and that has knock-on effects for command.

What makes the situation especially notable is how it blends two separate threads of concern. Knee inflammation and soreness can affect stride length and lower-body stability. Meanwhile, a lingering biceps problem from earlier in the season, even if it is not the dominant issue on any given day, can raise questions about pitch volume, intensity, and how the pitching motion holds up under load.

For fans, the most immediate watch item is the Dodgers’ official pitching plan for Sunday. The starting decision will also hint at how the organization views Ohtani’s near-term trajectory: whether the team expects him to be able to ramp back quickly, or whether it is preparing for more conservative management to reduce the chance of a setback.