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Ohtani Likely to End Pitching Season Early
Confirmed
In Short: Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, says he is unlikely to pitch again this season.
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has stated that he is "most likely" not returning to pitching for the remainder of the 2026 MLB season. This comes after the pitcher missed the last four games and has been dealing with chronic inflammation in his left knee.
Ohtani, who has been a four-time Most Valuable Player, has had a mediocre hitting season this year, with a batting average of.277 and a slugging percentage of.522. His Cy Young campaign ended earlier than expected, and he has not pitched since July 3 due to his knee injury.
Despite the uncertainty, Ohtani has remained active as a designated hitter, contributing significantly to the team's lineup. Through 14 pitching starts, he owns an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA, 95 strikeouts, and 26 walks in 85 2/3 innings.
Ohtani, 32, is a six-time All-Star who helped lead the Dodgers to World Series titles in 2024 and 2025. He did not pitch at all in 2024 following right elbow surgery performed the previous September. His decision to focus on his hitting role is a strategic move to ensure his long-term health and performance.
In conclusion, Ohtani's decision to end his pitching season early is a significant development for the Dodgers, who will now rely more heavily on his hitting abilities to secure their position in the playoffs.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Get closer to the action with SNLA+, with the MLB… pic.twitter.com/gF1mjDA34v “Most likely, no,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton about a potential return to pitching.
- Dave Roberts’ recent words had made it seem fairly clear that Ohtani would likely not be pitching anymore this season.
- Prior to the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the team wasn’t sure when or if Ohtani would pitch again.