Shohei Ohtani injury update adds confusion to perplexing status

Shohei Ohtani is expected to have an impact on the postseason as the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their quest for a World Series three-peat.

What opportunities Ohtani might have to make an impact remain uncertain.

Ohtani appeared to be trending in the right direction with his pitching progression, but that was put to a halt on Aug. 29. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that the team’s two-way star would not be making a return as it was anticipated. The pitcher had thrown a 20-pitch bullpen just the day before.

In a Sept. 2 conversation with reporters, Roberts said the team is still considering shutting down Ohtani, but the Dodgers aren’t ready to make that decision.

“I know he is in lockstep with (Mark Prior), the pitching guys, the training staff, but I think for me he has to throw a bullpen, then we will see the next progression,” Roberts said.

Ohtani is expected to remain available as a designated hitter, but hasn’t taken the mound as a pitcher in a game since July 3 due to knee inflammation and biceps discomfort.

Ohtani did not pitch during his first season with the Dodgers, after needing a full year to recover from right elbow surgery.

Roberts was also asked about the possibility of Ohtani playing in the outfield, but the manager declared that’s “not on the table.”

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Oct. 17, 2025: Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run during Game 4 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani hit three home runs and pitched six scoreless innings in one of the greatest performances in MLB playoff history. The Dodgers won the game, 5-1, to advance to the World Series.

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March 20, 2024: Shohei Ohtani gets his first hit as a Dodger in the third inning during the 2024 Seoul Series game against the Padres.

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The Dodgers have not officially shut down Ohtani as a pitcher for the rest of the season. If and when he is cleared and ready to pitch, Ohtani could see limited action on a pitch count before working a full game.

As of Wednesday, Sept. 2, Ohtani was hitting .281 with 88 runs scored, 30 home runs and 80 RBIs in 128 games this season.

As a pitcher, Ohtani has posted an 8-2 record in 14 starts this season. He’s allowed 55 hits, 21 runs (17 earned) and four home runs, while striking out 95.