Ohtani's return to hitting nears, but pitching comeback appears over for 2026
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani might be back in the lineup as soon as Monday after missing four games with injuries to his left knee, right biceps and neck. However, Roberts called it 'unlikely' that Ohtani will pitch again this season, as he hasn't thrown since being shut down. The team is prioritizing his health as a hitter.
Ohtani's four-game absence represents his longest stretch out of the lineup since joining the Dodgers in 2024. His offensive production dipped sharply once he resumed throwing bullpen sessions in mid-August, with a .203 average during that span, and he has not addressed reporters since Aug. 17. The Dodgers have built rotation depth through the midseason addition of Tarik Skubal, joining Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, reducing any urgency for Ohtani to pitch. His 30 home runs and .906 OPS remain strong, though they mark his weakest output since 2022.
Ohtani's situation could influence how teams approach two-way player workloads, as his physical breakdown illustrates the strain of balancing elite pitching and hitting. The Dodgers' championship pursuit may hinge on his bat alone, while fans and fantasy managers face uncertainty about his availability. His extended silence may also fuel broader speculation about his long-term health and whether his pitching career can be sustained beyond this season.