Dodgers Put Ohtani’s Pitching Return on Hold as October Nears

What happened

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Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup Monday after a four-day break, but the club no longer expects him to pitch again this season. According to an Associated Press report, Ohtani had been managing soreness in his left knee and right biceps. He resumed his usual role as the leadoff designated hitter in a 6-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, going hitless in three at-bats with two strikeouts and a walk.

Ohtani has not pitched in a game since July 3, and his most recent throwing work was a bullpen session in Detroit on August 28. The Dodgers’ choice effectively ends the pitching side of his 2026 campaign while leaving him available to hit during the final stretch of the regular season and, if Los Angeles qualifies, the postseason.

Why it matters

The decision is a risk-management move for an NL West leader with championship ambitions. Manager Dave Roberts said before Monday’s game that continuing to push Ohtani as a two-way player no longer made sense for either the team or the player. Removing pitching from his workload gives the four-time MVP a clearer path to stay in the batting order without asking his sore arm and knee to absorb the demands of mound preparation.

Ohtani acknowledged his disappointment but framed the setback as something he can learn from before next season. He also indicated that his priority is to keep playing rather than take the complete rest that would offer the fastest recovery. That balance—remaining productive now while avoiding a more serious injury—will shape how frequently the Dodgers use him over the coming weeks.

October impact

Los Angeles managed to win all four games Ohtani missed, including a sweep of Washington, which reduces the immediate pressure to rush him back into a full workload. Still, his bat remains central to the lineup. He is hitting .277 with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs this season, though his production has cooled since the All-Star break to a .246 average with eight homers and 22 RBIs across 42 games.

The Dodgers now need the healthiest possible version of Ohtani at the plate. His first game back was quiet, but the more meaningful result was that he completed it and remained available. Roberts planned to evaluate how Ohtani felt afterward before determining his status for Tuesday.

What to watch

The first signal will be whether Ohtani plays on consecutive days and continues hitting leadoff. Roberts has defended keeping his best hitter atop the order, while leaving open the possibility of a later adjustment. The club will also monitor whether reducing his workload restores the timing and power that have dipped during the second half.

For the rest of 2026, Ohtani’s job is simpler: hit, recover and help drive a postseason run. His next pitching appearance will have to wait until 2027, when the Dodgers hope this cautious finish pays off in a healthier two-way season.