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Nationals vs Dodgers storylines are taking on added significance as Los Angeles faces a difficult decision involving Shohei Ohtani and his hopes of pitching in October. The Dodgers’ two-way superstar is dealing with lingering physical issues, and the club must determine whether continuing his pitching buildup could damage his offensive value during the most important part of the season.
Ohtani was held out of the Dodgers’ lineup Thursday after appearing uncomfortable during his final at-bat the previous night. He struck out for the fourth time in the game and appeared to lack support from his lower body before shaking his right arm while returning to the dugout. Manager Dave Roberts described the moment as “the tip of the iceberg.”
Nationals vs Dodgers Questions Grow Around Ohtani
The immediate concern is whether Ohtani’s physical discomfort is beginning to affect his hitting. The Dodgers described him as day-to-day and did not expect an immediate injured-list stint, hoping that one or two days of rest would help him recover.
However, the bigger issue remains his pitching future. Ohtani has not pitched for Los Angeles since July 3 and has not thrown off a mound since a bullpen session was cut short because of soreness in his left knee and right biceps. With the postseason less than a month away, the Dodgers have limited time to prepare him for any pitching role.
Roberts has made the team’s priority clear: Ohtani’s offense cannot be compromised. That position is understandable because the Dodgers’ pitching staff remains deep, while the lineup has struggled to produce consistently since the start of July.
Why Ohtani’s Bat Matters Most
According to ESPN, Dodgers hitters ranked 22nd in OPS, 23rd in runs per game and 22nd in weighted runs created plus from the beginning of July through the latest update. Several major contributors have also endured difficult stretches.
- Kyle Tucker, Teoscar Hernandez and Tommy Edman struggled during August.
- Freddie Freeman went 47 games without a home run before ending the drought Wednesday.
- Mookie Betts has endured another disappointing offensive season.
- Ohtani has recorded seven hits and 20 strikeouts in his past 51 at-bats.
Those numbers explain why Los Angeles may be more dependent on Ohtani’s bat than his arm. A healthy version of the designated hitter could transform the Dodgers’ postseason offense, while the team believes it can still build a championship rotation without his innings.
Critical Injury Concerns for Los Angeles
Ohtani spent much of June managing pain in his left knee before stepping away from pitching. The knee previously required surgery in 2019 to address a condition known as a bipartite patella. His right biceps soreness has also returned, creating a complicated situation for a player who must protect both his swing and his throwing arm.
Roberts acknowledged that he does not expect Ohtani to be completely healthy by the end of the season. Still, many pitchers compete through manageable discomfort, and the Dodgers are weighing whether Ohtani could contribute in a limited role.
The club’s four leading rotation options include Tarik Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. Skubal is a two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, Yamamoto excelled in the previous postseason, Snell has impressed since returning from the injured list and Glasnow has looked sharp after his own recovery.
Could Ohtani Still Pitch in October?
Even a small pitching contribution could be valuable. Ohtani might open a game for Glasnow, cover a few high-leverage innings or appear late in a close postseason contest. Because he is already part of the active roster as a hitter, keeping the pitching possibility alive would not cost the Dodgers an additional roster spot.
That flexibility is why the team has not officially shut him down. Ohtani is continuing conditioning work with plyometric training balls, although he is not currently throwing from a mound. To remain a realistic October option, he would likely need to resume mound work before the end of September.
There is also a baserunning factor. Ohtani stole 59 bases as a Dodgers designated hitter in 2024 but became less aggressive after beginning his pitching buildup. Since May 2025, his baserunning production has remained positive but significantly below his earlier level. A complete pause from pitching could allow him to run more freely, although postseason teams generally take fewer risks on the bases.
The Dodgers’ Difficult October Choice
For now, the decision remains open and will involve Ohtani’s input. Roberts said the organization would continue the plan if Ohtani believes he is capable, but the team will stop if the pursuit no longer makes sense.
The central question is simple but difficult: Is the potential value of a few pitching innings greater than the risk to Ohtani’s offense? In the Nationals vs Dodgers conversation and the broader postseason race, that answer could shape Los Angeles’ championship hopes. The Dodgers have enough pitching depth to survive without Ohtani on the mound, but they may not be able to overcome an unhealthy or ineffective version of him at the plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Shohei Ohtani pitch in the playoffs?
His October pitching status remains uncertain. The Dodgers have not shut him down, but he must resume mound work and demonstrate that his health will not be compromised.
What injuries are affecting Ohtani?
Ohtani has dealt with lingering soreness in his left knee and right biceps. He also experienced discomfort extending from the right side of his neck into his arm during his latest game.
Do the Dodgers need Ohtani more as a hitter or pitcher?
The Dodgers appear to need his offense more urgently. Their pitching staff is deep, while the lineup has struggled since July.
Could Ohtani serve as a playoff opener?
That is one possible scenario. He could potentially open for another starter or provide limited high-leverage innings if his health and preparation allow it.
