Dodgers on Deck: Wednesday, June 17 vs. Rays - A Big Day for Shohei Ohtani

LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers play their final home weekday day game of the regular season in Wednesday’s series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays, with a 12:10 p.m. start at Dodger Stadium.

Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to start on the mound, taking a sparkling 1.06 ERA – and 2.63 xERA, fourth in MLB among pitchers with at least 60 innings – through 11 starts into Wednesday’s game. But it’s all contingent on how his left knee feels after leaving last Thursday’s game in Pittsburgh with inflammation. Ohtani sat on Friday in Chicago, but played the next three games as designated hitter and starts Tuesday at DH as well.

Ohtani threw a bullpen session on Tuesday as a last checkup before his Wednesday start.

“We’re certainly mindful that he wants to make his start,” manager Dave Roberts said. “The catch play, how he feels, the swelling has completely dissipated, so those signs give us confidence that he’s going to be fine.”

After Tuesday’s game, Roberts said Ohtani would pitch the series finale but will not hit, as they manage his workload. It’s the fifth time this season Ohtani will pitch but not hit in a game.

Left-hander Shane McClanahan starts for the Rays, with a solid 3.23 ERA and 3.71 xERA through 13 starts after missing the previous two seasons after Tommy John surgery and a triceps nerve injury. Tommy Edman, who was activated off the injured list Tuesday, is expected to start at third base on Wednesday.