Shohei Ohtani left out of Dodgers lineup amid health concerns

Concerns about Shohei Ohtani's health are growing after he was left out of the starting lineup just one day after returning.

The Los Angeles Dodgers excluded Ohtani from their lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

Tommy Edman will replace Ohtani as the leadoff designated hitter while playing center field, with Freddie Freeman batting cleanup as the designated hitter.

Ohtani, who has dealt with discomfort in several areas this season, including his left knee and right biceps, said before Monday's game that he would not return to the mound.

Speculation had grown that Ohtani could be placed on the injured list after his playing time declined, but he returned Monday against Cincinnati as the leadoff designated hitter.

He went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and a walk, extending his slump at the plate.

MLB.com said Ohtani's recent injuries and offensive struggles coincided with his preparations to pitch.

Over the past month, Ohtani is batting .198 (19 for 96) with a .690 OPS and 34 strikeouts.

Although he said he planned to stop pitching and focus on hitting, his immediate removal from the starting lineup has renewed concerns about managing his health.

Ohtani is batting .277 with 30 home runs, 80 RBIs and a .902 OPS this season.

On the mound, he went 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts before injuries prevented him from making further appearances.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before Tuesday's game that the team was "building him back up slowly and cautiously," adding that he expected Ohtani to return to the lineup Wednesday.