Shohei Ohtani’s Health Raises New Alarm After One-Game Dodgers Return

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is out of the lineup just one day after returning, sparking increased alarm.

Ohtani missed four games in a row, starting on Thursday for the series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals. He then sat for the entire Washington Nationals series, coming back for the series opener against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday.
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After just one game back in the lineup, Ohtani is once again out of the lineup for Tuesday’s game vs. the Reds.

The Japanese star has been noticeably battling soreness in his left knee and bicep, all of which stem from his pitching work as a two-way player.

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Aug 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) looks on in the dugout in the sixth inning of their game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

He started the season as a starting pitcher and everyday designated hitter, but by early July, his body started to show the effects, and he paused his pitching.

After landing on his left leg hundreds of times a week because of his pitching delivery, he attributed the leg issue to that, while his bicep issue came from his throwing volume.

Ohtani didn’t stop pitching work entirely; he worked on it in the background while he played every day in the batting order, but his return to the mound has been canceled multiple times already.

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Aug 25, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the fourth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Additionally, his hitting has really suffered, with him going 6-for-last-52, and his slugging not reaching his usual levels.

Even on Monday’s return, Ohtani went 0-for-3 with a strikeout and a walk. His swing looks out of whack, mainly because he lacks extension and rotation, and he cannot square the ball up.

Now, Ohtani’s status as a hitter is up in the air, as the Dodgers will undoubtedly weigh an injured list stint to give him total rest, or more time on the bench to tinker with his swing, given his current limitations.