Shohei Ohtani is out of the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup Tuesday, one day after returning from a four-game absence due to lingering injuries. Ohtani went 0-for-3 in Monday's win over the Reds, striking out twice.

Manager Dave Roberts said the decision to sit him again reflects a plan to ease the star back into action. "He came out of yesterday well, but talking with the training staff, it's more the thought of let's build him up slowly," Roberts said, per multiple reports. Ohtani is available to pinch-hit and is expected back in the lineup Wednesday.

With Ohtani sidelined, Freddie Freeman made his first DH start since 2020 with Atlanta. This marks the fifth time in six days that Ohtani is not starting.