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Dodgers fans received a major boost ahead of October as Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the Los Angeles lineup Wednesday, the first day he is eligible to come off the injured list. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the move after Los Angeles defeated the San Diego Padres 7-0 on Tuesday night.
Ohtani landed on the 15-day injured list Sept. 8 because of lingering pain in his right biceps and left knee. However, his recovery has progressed quickly over the past week, giving the Dodgers renewed confidence as they prepare for the postseason.
Dodgers Receive Powerful Ohtani Injury Update
Before Tuesday’s game, Roberts said Ohtani looked “considerably” healthier than he did several weeks ago. The manager used a one-to-10 scale to describe the designated hitter’s progress.
“If he was a five, he’s probably an eight or a nine right now,” Roberts said, according to ESPN.
Ohtani began a hitting progression seven days before his planned return. On Saturday, he took as many as 40 swings against Trajekt, a pitching simulator, and also ran the bases. He completed his normal pregame workout Tuesday, another encouraging sign for the club.
The 32-year-old will only hit for the rest of the season. The Dodgers are not planning to use him as a pitcher during the final stretch or in the immediate postseason picture, making his offensive rhythm especially important.
Critical Final Games for Ohtani
Roberts previously indicated that Ohtani could play in all five of the Dodgers’ remaining regular-season games. The goal is to help him reacclimate to major league pitching after an extended absence and a difficult stretch at the plate.
Before going on the injured list, Ohtani had recorded just seven hits and 22 strikeouts in his previous 54 at-bats. His return therefore carries both excitement and uncertainty. Los Angeles needs his power, but the team will also be watching closely to see how quickly his timing returns.
Ohtani will likely remain the leadoff hitter against right-handed pitchers. However, Mookie Betts’ outstanding September has created an intriguing lineup decision. Betts was hitting .373 with a .468 on-base percentage and a .746 slugging percentage heading into the week, and Roberts is considering using him at the top against left-handed pitchers.
Roki Sasaki and Andy Pages Strengthen the Dodgers
Ohtani was not the only important player returning Tuesday. The Dodgers activated right-hander Roki Sasaki and center fielder Andy Pages from the injured list, providing valuable reinforcements before the postseason.
Sasaki, who had been recovering from a blister suffered during an Aug. 26 start, pitched one scoreless inning out of the bullpen. He allowed two hits and struck out two, and his performance could lead to a prominent relief role in October.
The Dodgers may again consider Sasaki as an option to close games during the postseason. His return gives the pitching staff another talented arm at a time when every matchup and late-inning decision could have major consequences.
Pages also returned after fracturing his left hand Aug. 22. He is expected to resume his role as an everyday player in the outfield, adding defensive stability and another dangerous bat to a deep Los Angeles roster.
Josue De Paula Faces an Important Decision
Ohtani’s activation creates an open roster question involving outfield prospect Josue De Paula. The 21-year-old has impressed while temporarily filling in at designated hitter, collecting 10 hits and 11 walks in 42 plate appearances.
De Paula went 2-for-3 with a triple Tuesday night and could remain under consideration as a left-handed bench bat in the postseason. The Dodgers could send him to Triple-A, however, allowing him to receive regular at-bats in the championship series.
Backup catcher Dalton Rushing is another possibility. Rushing is expected to return within the next several days, but an elbow injury has prevented him from throwing. Roberts acknowledged that it would be difficult to place Rushing into a pinch-hitting role after he appeared in only four games since the beginning of September.
“There’s potential slug with both those guys,” Roberts said. “It’s going to be a good debate.”
For the Dodgers, the immediate priority is clear: get Ohtani comfortable, evaluate the returning players and build momentum before October. With the lineup, bullpen and bench all receiving reinforcements, Los Angeles is entering the postseason push with its roster becoming healthier at the right time.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dodgers
When will Shohei Ohtani return to the Dodgers lineup?
Ohtani is scheduled to return Wednesday, the first day he is eligible to be activated from the injured list.
Why was Shohei Ohtani placed on the injured list?
Ohtani was placed on the injured list because of lingering pain in his right biceps and left knee.
Will Ohtani pitch for the Dodgers this season?
No. Ohtani is expected to serve only as a hitter for the remainder of the season.
Which other Dodgers players returned from the injured list?
Roki Sasaki and Andy Pages were activated Tuesday. Sasaki pitched a scoreless inning, while Pages is expected to resume everyday outfield duties.
What is the Dodgers’ biggest lineup question?
The club must decide where to bat Ohtani and whether Mookie Betts should lead off against left-handed pitchers. Los Angeles is also weighing its postseason bench options.
