Ohtani Progresses in Recovery, Takes Tee Swings
Shohei Ohtani hit off a tee for the first time since going on the injured list with right biceps inflammation, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he felt good. Ohtani remains on track to return before the regular season ends, though the exact date is uncertain. The Dodgers have already clinched a playoff spot.
Ohtani's tee work on Tuesday marked his first baseball activity since landing on the 15-day injured list on Sept. 8 with right biceps inflammation. The four-time MVP has remained in Los Angeles for treatment while the Dodgers traveled to Cincinnati, where they entered play with a magic number of three to clinch another NL West title.
The Dodgers have already secured a postseason berth, giving Ohtani time to build up gradually. Roberts indicated the club expects him back for some regular-season games but declined to specify a target date. The two-time defending World Series champions are positioning their star for October, with his availability likely shaping their playoff lineup plans.
Ohtani's recovery timeline could carry significant weight for the Dodgers' postseason hopes and for baseball audiences broadly. His return may shift the balance of the National League playoff picture, as the two-time defending champions seek a third straight title. Fans and fantasy players alike could track his progress closely, while the cautious approach signals how much the organization values his availability in October. The outcome may also influence how other teams manage star players with similar injuries down the stretch.