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Shohei Ohtani Returns to Dodgers Lineup
Confirmed
In Short: Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the lineup against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday.
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the team's lineup during a matchup with the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Ohtani, who has been dealing with knee and biceps issues, was placed on the injured list on September 7. Manager Roberts confirmed Ohtani's return, stating, 'Unless I hear otherwise, he'll be in the lineup tomorrow,' per ESPN's Alden González.
Ohtani's return is crucial for the Dodgers, who are aiming for a third consecutive World Series title. The team currently sits at 96-60, just two games back from the No. 1 seed in the National League.
Despite his health issues, Ohtani has been a productive part of the Dodgers' batting order. He is hitting.277/.380/.522 (146 OPS+) with 25 doubles, four triples, 30 home runs, 80 RBIs, 89 runs, and 11 stolen bases this season.
Ohtani's pitching contributions have also been significant. He has made 14 starts on the mound, compiling an 8-2 record and posting a 1.79 ERA with 95 strikeouts and 26 walks in 85 2/3 innings.
Manager Roberts noted that Ohtani is feeling 'considerably better' and that his return will be a significant boost for the team. 'If he was a 5 before, he's probably an 8 or 9 now,' Roberts said.
The Dodgers have six games remaining in the regular season and are looking to secure a top-2 seed and a first-round bye. They have gone 10-3 since Ohtani last played.
Ohtani will bat second in the lineup, with Mookie Betts leading off against left-handed pitching. The Dodgers have also optioned rookie outfielder Josue De Paula to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Ohtani's return comes as the Dodgers prepare for the postseason. Manager Roberts has stated that Ohtani will most likely not pitch again during the 2026 season, shifting his focus toward hitting.
What this adds
The Dodgers have not formally shut down Ohtani's pitching plans, but they have indicated that he will focus on hitting for the remainder of the season.
What's confirmed
- Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the team's lineup during a matchup with the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
- Ohtani, who has been dealing with knee and biceps issues, was placed on the injured list on September 7. Manager Roberts confirmed Ohtani's return, stating, 'Unless I hear otherwise, he'll be in the lineup tomorrow,' per ESPN's Alden González.
- Ohtani's return is crucial for the Dodgers, who are aiming for a third consecutive World Series title. The team currently sits at 96-60, just two games back from the No. 1 seed in the National League.
- Despite his health issues, Ohtani has been a productive part of the Dodgers' batting order. He is hitting.277/.380/.522 (146 OPS+) with 25 doubles, four triples, 30 home runs, 80 RBIs, 89 runs, and 11 stolen bases this season.
- Ohtani's pitching contributions have also been significant. He has made 14 starts on the mound, compiling an 8-2 record and posting a 1.79 ERA with 95 strikeouts and 26 walks in 85 2/3 innings.
- Manager Roberts noted that Ohtani is feeling 'considerably better' and that his return will be a significant boost for the team. 'If he was a 5 before, he's probably an 8 or 9 now,' Roberts said.
- The Dodgers have six games remaining in the regular season and are looking to secure a top-2 seed and a first-round bye. They have gone 10-3 since Ohtani last played.
- Ohtani will bat second in the lineup, with Mookie Betts leading off against left-handed pitching. The Dodgers have also optioned rookie outfielder Josue De Paula to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
- Ohtani's return comes as the Dodgers prepare for the postseason. Manager Roberts has stated that Ohtani will most likely not pitch again during the 2026 season, shifting his focus toward hitting.
What's still developing
- Ohtani was still a productive piece of the Dodgers' batting order despite being unable to pitch, although health woes eventually started to impact his overall availability.
- The two-time defending champion Dodgers are gearing up for a threepeat and hope to have a fully functional Shohei Ohtani in time for the start of the postseason.
- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had noted earlier this month that Ohtani's injury was minor enough that if this were the playoffs, he'd be playing through it.
- The Dodgers have shut Ohtani down from pitching for the remainder of 2026, but his bat in the designated hitter spot is a huge plus for them.
- Of course, the effects of Ohtani's injuries could be seen in the weeks leading up to his IL stint.
- "If he was a 5 before, he's probably an 8 or 9 now," Roberts said ( via the California Post ), while explaining that Ohtani is feeling "considerably better." Starting on Wednesday, Ohtani will have five games to get himself back up to game speed, essentially serving as a rehab assignment.
- Even better, the Dodgers are very likely to have a bye after that, so Ohtani would then have a few days to recover.
- He hit Andy Pages to load the bases, and then issued back-to-back walks on nine pitches to Tommy Edman and Mookie Betts to give the Dodgers their first two runs.
- He got the win in San Diego on June 27, where he allowed two runs and five hits over six solid innings and the Dodgers put up 15 runs.
- After posting zeros in the first two innings, the Dodgers struck in the third on back-to-back homers by Santiago Espinal and Betts to start the inning.
- Alex Campos 09/23/2026 Game Threads Leave A Comment The Dodgers (97-60) beat the Padres (87-70) in dominant fashion yesterday, winning 7-0 while using a bullpen game against Padres’ ace Michael King.
- The win, coupled with a Reds win over Atlanta shrinks the Dodgers’ Magic Number to clinch a top-2 seed and first-round bye down to one.