Ohtani's return to Dodgers lineup uncertain as season nears end
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it's unclear if Shohei Ohtani will play again before the regular season ends, though he's hopeful. Ohtani is on the injured list with biceps and knee issues and began swinging off a tee. He won't be eligible to return until Sept. 23.
Ohtani's 2026 season has been defined by physical setbacks that limited him both at the plate and on the mound. His last pitching appearance came July 3, cutting short a campaign that had him on a Cy Young-caliber trajectory with a 1.79 ERA across 14 starts. At the plate, his production has dipped noticeably from his first two Dodgers seasons, with his current pace marking the first time he would fall short of 50 home runs and 100 RBIs in a Los Angeles uniform.
The Dodgers have relied on top prospect Josue De Paula to handle designated hitter duties during Ohtani's absence. With Ohtani ineligible to return until Sept. 23, the team faces a narrow window of just five regular-season games to integrate him before the postseason begins, whether that comes via the wild-card round on Sept. 29 or the NLDS on Oct. 3.
Ohtani's uncertain status could shape the Dodgers' postseason outlook and, by extension, the broader baseball landscape. A superstar of his magnitude draws significant fan attention, and his absence or limited readiness may affect viewership, ticket demand, and competitive balance in the playoffs. For Dodgers fans, the possibility of entering October without their marquee player at full strength could temper expectations, while opposing teams may view the situation as an opportunity. The outcome may also influence how teams manage injured star players in future seasons.