Dodgers Rest Shohei Ohtani

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani was set to return as the leadoff hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, a day after he wasn’t in the lineup because of lingering soreness in his left knee that is keeping him off the mound. The team decided to rest him Thursday due to lingering soreness in his left knee. Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani wanted to play, but the decision was made after Ohtani told the training staff about his discomfort. He hasn’t pitched since July 3 because of the knee issue, but he continues to serve as the designated hitter. The Dodgers open a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Friday.