Shohei Ohtani remains scheduled to start as planned, unaffected by knee soreness as he takes the mound against the Rays.

Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese two-way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will take the mound for his 12th start of the season on June 18 at 3:10 AM Beijing time at Dodger Stadium, going head-to-head with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays are expected to bring out Shane McClanahan as their starter.

As of prior to the game, pitcher's start, Ohtani had a record of 6-2 this season with an ERA of 1.06. In his previous outing on June 11 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he pitched 6. pitched 6.2 innings, allowed 4 runs (3 earned), and struck out 6 batters, ending with no decision.

Notably, Ohtani left the game early on June 12 due to left knee inflammation, raising concerns. However, after a day of rest, he was still placed in the starting rotation. Despite lingering doubts about his condition, the Dodgers did not alter their original plans.

Manager Dave Roberts stated, "No, I don't think so," and added, "We expect him to start. Unless new information comes up, we will go as planned."

On offense, as of June 15 after the game, Ohtani as a hitter had a batting average of 0.302, with 14 home runs and 41 RBIs. Additionally, he is only 7 home runs shy of reaching 300 MLB career homers and 8 short of 350 total in his combined Japanese and MLB careers (48 in Japan), with a chance to achieve both milestones this year.