Shohei Ohtani news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Shohei Ohtani returned to the Dodgers lineup Monday after a four-day injury break, going 0 for.
He is hitting .279 with 30 homers, and his pitching return this season looks.
Background
Ohtani has dealt with lingering left knee, right biceps and neck soreness dating back to June, and he has not pitched in a game since July 3. He last threw on Aug. 28 in Detroit, when he felt discomfort during a bullpen session, and the Dodgers have since paused his throwing to focus on hitting. The team is easing him back slowly as the playoffs approach in about three weeks.
How it unfolded
- Jul 3, 2026Ohtani's most recent pitching appearance; he has not pitched in a game since.
- Aug 28, 2026Ohtani felt discomfort during a 20-pitch bullpen session in Detroit and has not thrown since.
- Sep 2, 2026Ohtani showed visible discomfort in his last start, going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts; manager Dave Roberts later said his neck was bothering him.
- Sep 5, 2026Ohtani was out of the lineup for a third straight game, though the team had not placed him on the injured list.
- Sep 6, 2026Roberts said Ohtani could return Monday against the Reds, but noted a growing chance he would not pitch again this season.
- Sep 7, 2026Ohtani returned to the leadoff spot as designated hitter and went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and a walk in a 6-3 win over the Reds.
- Sep 8, 2026Ohtani was out of the lineup again as the Dodgers eased him back; Roberts said he would be available to pinch-hit and expected him back Wednesday.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Manager Dave Roberts said the team is building Ohtani up slowly and that he is choosing not to say Ohtani's pitching is dead, though he acknowledged it is increasingly unlikely this season.
- Player
- Ohtani said he is most likely not returning to pitching in 2026 and will focus on hitting moving forward.
- Analysts
- Reports note Ohtani does not have enough time to be stretched out as a traditional starter for the postseason, but his 1.79 ERA in 14 starts earlier this season could still make him valuable in the playoffs.
Still unverified
Whether Ohtani will pitch again this season remains uncertain; Roberts said the team has not ruled it out, while Ohtani said it is most likely no. The exact nature and severity of his injuries have not been fully detailed by the team.