Shohei Ohtani is back in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup with the postseason approaching, after the club activated the two-way star from the 15-day injured list for Wednesday’s game against the San Diego Padres.
Ohtani returned on the first day he was eligible after being sidelined with right biceps and left knee injuries, along with neck soreness. He had last played on Sept. 7 before the Dodgers decided he needed additional rest.
The Dodgers placed Ohtani in the designated hitter spot and moved him to second in the batting order behind Mookie Betts, rather than immediately restoring him to his customary leadoff position. Manager Dave Roberts said the priority was simply getting Ohtani back into game action after his extended absence.
Ohtani’s return comes with only five regular-season games remaining. The Dodgers plan to give him regular at-bats during the final stretch so he can regain his timing before the playoffs begin. He will return strictly as a hitter and is not expected to pitch again during the regular season.
Before his injury-related absence, Ohtani had posted a .277 batting average with 30 home runs, 80 RBIs and an .902 OPS in 2026. His recent form had been more difficult, however, as he went 6-for-49 over his final 13 appearances before landing on the injured list.
Ohtani’s pitching season had already been put on hold. He last took the mound on July 3 and finished his 14 starts with an 8-2 record, a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts over 85⅔ innings.
The Dodgers have continued to perform strongly in his absence, winning enough games to secure the National League West title. Ohtani’s return nevertheless gives Los Angeles another major offensive option as the club prepares for another postseason run.
The timing also gives Ohtani a short window to readjust to major league pitching. He was unable to face live pitching during his injured-list stint, instead working with coaches and a Trajekt pitching machine as the team monitored his recovery.
The Dodgers also activated pitcher Tarik Skubal, while rookie Josue De Paula was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move involving Ohtani.
With the regular season nearly over, Ohtani’s immediate task is to regain his rhythm at the plate and show that his injuries are no longer limiting him. His return gives the Dodgers several games to evaluate his condition before the postseason begins, when the team’s expectations will shift toward October baseball.
