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Dodgers fans may not have to wait much longer to see Shohei Ohtani return to the starting lineup, but his much-anticipated return to the mound now appears increasingly unlikely this season. Ohtani was left out of Los Angeles’ lineup for a fourth consecutive game Sunday as the club continued managing several lingering health concerns.
Manager Dave Roberts offered a cautiously positive update before the Dodgers’ series finale against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium. Roberts said Ohtani could potentially return Monday, when Los Angeles begins a series against the Cincinnati Reds.
“Until he’s written in the lineup, we don’t know 100%,” Roberts said. “But I’m hopeful.”
Dodgers Await Ohtani’s Potential Monday Return
Ohtani reportedly came through Saturday’s batting-cage session feeling well. The Dodgers planned to monitor how he responded to a full day of activity Sunday before making a final decision on his availability.
The team has taken a careful approach with its two-way superstar. Rather than rushing him back, Los Angeles has used several scheduled days off to help Ohtani recover and avoid a further setback. Roberts indicated that the rest period has been beneficial, particularly because Ohtani has not been throwing during the break.
“I do think that the no throwing, I think, is beneficial,” Roberts said. “I think that the four days has been beneficial.”
Ohtani’s possible return as a hitter would provide an important boost to the Dodgers’ lineup. However, the club is clearly focused on ensuring that he is healthy enough to contribute consistently through the final stretch of the regular season and into October.
Critical Health Concerns Continue to Affect the Star
Ohtani has dealt with multiple physical issues since June. Left knee soreness has been the primary reason he has not pitched since July 3, while a right biceps problem affected both his hitting and his pitching buildup. More recently, Roberts said Ohtani experienced neck discomfort during his most recent start as a hitter.
That outing came Wednesday, when Ohtani went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. His recent offensive production has also dipped during his pitching preparation. Since restarting a throwing program on Aug. 8, he has hit .204, going 19-for-93 with a .704 OPS and 32 strikeouts.
Despite the difficult stretch, Ohtani’s overall season remains remarkable. He has recorded a .906 OPS with 30 home runs while also posting a 1.79 ERA across 14 pitching starts. His rare two-way workload has made his health a major storyline for both the Dodgers and the wider baseball world.
Ohtani’s Pitching Return Appears Increasingly Unlikely
Ohtani last threw on Aug. 28 in Detroit, when he experienced a setback during what was expected to be the final stage of his pitching preparation. At the time, the Dodgers were hopeful that he could make another start after completing the necessary steps in his recovery.
That plan now appears to be running out of time. Roberts stopped short of officially declaring Ohtani finished as a pitcher for the season, but acknowledged that the calendar tells much of the story.
“Not officially,” Roberts said when asked whether Ohtani had been shut down as a pitcher. “But obviously, if you’re looking at the calendar, how much he’s thrown in the last week, I think we can all do the math.”
With the postseason approaching, the Dodgers must weigh the potential value of a late-season pitching return against the risks of aggravating Ohtani’s ongoing issues. Preserving his availability as a hitter may now be the club’s most practical priority.
Why the Dodgers Did Not Use the Injured List
Los Angeles considered placing Ohtani on the injured list, but the minimum stay for a two-way player is 15 days. That requirement applies in the same way it does to pitchers, and the Dodgers were not willing to lose Ohtani for that length of time if he could return sooner.
Instead, the club has managed his workload on a day-to-day basis. The goal is to prevent a short absence from becoming a longer-term setback while keeping Ohtani prepared for the postseason.
For now, the most immediate question is whether Ohtani’s name will appear at the top of the Dodgers lineup Monday. A return against Cincinnati would be encouraging, but the organization is expected to remain cautious with every swing, sprint and throwing session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Shohei Ohtani miss the Dodgers’ fourth straight game?
Ohtani was held out while the Dodgers managed lingering physical issues, including knee, biceps and neck concerns. The team also wanted to give him additional rest.
Could Ohtani return to the Dodgers lineup Monday?
Yes. Manager Dave Roberts said he was hopeful Ohtani could return Monday against the Cincinnati Reds, provided he continued to feel well after Sunday’s activities.
Will Ohtani pitch again for the Dodgers this season?
A pitching return has not been officially ruled out, but Roberts acknowledged that the calendar makes it increasingly unlikely.
What are Ohtani’s 2026 season statistics?
Ohtani has a .906 OPS, 30 home runs and a 1.79 ERA in 14 pitching starts, according to the information provided by MLB.com.
