Tuesday’s 8-0 loss to the Seattle Mariners saw Los Angeles Angels sensation Shohei Ohtani sit out for the ninth straight game.

Before the loss, Angels manager Phil Nevin indicated he was continuing forward with the plan to leave Ohtani’s name off the lineup until he declares himself ready.

Nevin predicted that the player would eventually come to him and say that he was ready to play.

After going through his pregame workout, Ohtani, who is still dealing with a right oblique strain, was taken out of the starting lineup for Monday’s series opener in Seattle. Nevin stated that Friday’s home series opener between the Angels and Detroit would be the earliest they would likely contemplate putting Ohtani back in the starting lineup.

Nevin, though, stated that there would be a conversation about bringing Ohtani back into the starting lineup if he entered the clubhouse prior to Wednesday’s daytime game in Seattle and declared himself ready.

I understand your frustration, Nevin said. “When he’s ready to play when he feels comfortable swinging, then he’s going to play.” I mean, it looks much better if I write down his name. Whoever is on your team, I don’t care. I am aware that admirers visit him, especially when we are at home. And I understand that irritation.

The day before the Angels’ 6-3 loss to Baltimore early last week, Ohtani tweaked himself during batting practice.

Ohtani’s season as a pitcher has already been over. He will probably undergo a treatment to fix a torn ligament in his pitching elbow.

After this season, Ohtani will be eligible for free agency. He has 44 home runs, 95 RBIs, and 20 steals while batting.304. A strong candidate for his second AL MVP title in three seasons, he is also 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts on the mound.