Shohei Ohtani is questionable to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup Friday against the Washington Nationals, per multiple outlets. Ohtani sat out Thursday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals after going 0-4 with four strikeouts in Wednesday's 8-6 extra-inning loss. The Dodgers' offense notably struggled in his absence during the first eight innings Thursday.

Meanwhile, ESPN has raised separate questions about Ohtani's availability for October play, reporting that the two-way star has been unable to pitch for two months due to health concerns. The outlet noted the Dodgers face a decision about whether his value as a pitcher in the postseason justifies risking his role as a hitter.

The Nationals are heading west for a three-game series against the back-to-back champion Dodgers, with three Washington players—Dylan Crews, Harry Ford and Abimelec Ortiz—looking to prove themselves in September.