SAN DIEGO -- Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani was removed after his fourth at-bat Saturday night when his back "tightened up" during his club's 5-0 victory over the San Diego Padres.
Following the win, L.A. manager Dave Roberts said his concern is minimal but that Ohtani "most likely" will sit out Sunday's series finale as a precautionary measure.
"It was one of those things where I got word before his fourth at-bat his back tightened up," Roberts said. "So, being up 5-0, we didn't want to push it. We'll see how he comes in [Sunday]."
Roberts later said he was "more leaning" toward having Ohtani sit out the finale.
"Things could change," the manager added, "but most likely, we'll probably give him the day [off]."
Ohtani finished the night 0-for-3 with a walk, with his last at-bat coming in the seventh inning. In the ninth, Enrique Hernandez pinch hit for him and struck out looking.
Dodgers starter James Paxton (5-0) was masterful while allowing four hits with four strikeouts and no walks.
"James was good again. All of his pitches were working," Roberts said. "He was on the attack all night long. He kept them off-balance."
Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler (0-0, 6.75) will make his second start of the season in the series finale, facing off against San Diego right-hander Yu Darvish (2-1, 2.94).
The Associated Press contributed to this report.