SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on prior to his at bat during the thirdi nning of a game against the San Diego Padresat Petco Park on May 11, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani will miss Sunday's series finale against the San Diego Padres due to tightness in his back.

The three-time All-Star was absent from the starting lineup, with Will Smith moving over to designated hitter and Austin Barnes doing the catching.

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Ohtani was pulled from Saturday's 5-0 win over the Padres, with manager Dave Roberts telling reporters after the game his back had tightened up.

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Dave Roberts reflects on the pitching performance against the Padres and offers insights on Shohei Ohtani's back tightening. <a href="">

Roberts also described his level of concern as "minimal" but said he was leaning toward resting Ohtani given the quick turnaround between games. He followed up Sunday to reiterate he doesn't expect the back tightness to be anything too serious.

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Shohei Ohtani's back is feeling better, Dave Roberts said. He did some activity today. TBD if he's going to be available to pinch-hit, but sounds like they expect him back in the lineup tomorrow. They were already planning on giving him a day during this stretch of 13 in a row.

Kiké Hernández finished at DH, striking out in his lone plate appearance in the ninth inning.

Ohtani has been used exclusively at designated hitter to open 2024 thanks his elbow surgery last fall, a procedure that will in all likelihood preclude him from pitching at all this year.

You wouldn't have guessed based on his performance at the plate the 2023 American League MVP is dealing with any sort of elbow discomfort. Through 40 games, he's the MLB leader in hits (56), doubles (15) and slugging percentage (.667). His 2.6 WAR ranks third among position players at FanGraphs, which further underlines his value on offense since he isn't getting any credit for doing anything in the field.

Based on Roberts' comments, Dodgers fans shouldn't be reading much into Ohtani's back trouble. The 29-year-old should be making a quick return to the lineup.