Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani’s Injury Layoff Extends to Four Games as Dodgers Weigh IL Move
9/7/2026, 2:33:35 AM
Core Event: Ohtani Held Out of Lineup for Fourth Consecutive Game
Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star, was again absent from the roster for the series finale against the Washington Nationals, marking his fourth straight game on the bench. The decision follows lingering discomfort in his left knee and right biceps that has kept him out since a 0-for-4, four-strikeout outing against the St. Louis Cardinals on September 4, 2026. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani hit in the indoor batting cages on Saturday but stopped short of guaranteeing a return, noting the team is still evaluating whether to place him on the injured list (IL).
Background & Context
Ohtani joined the Dodgers in 2024 on a ten-year, $700 million contract and has been a two-way player ever since, earning National League MVP honors in each of the past two seasons. He has been used exclusively as a designated hitter since his last pitching appearance on July 3, 2026, and, because he is classified as a two-way player, any IL placement would require a minimum 15-day stint.
Timeline
- July 3, 2026 – Ohtani’s last start as a pitcher; thereafter used only as DH.
- September 4, 2026 – Ohtani watches from the dugout as the Dodgers beat the Nationals 6-5.
- September 5, 2026 – Media reports note his continued absence and cage work.
Data & Statistics
- Season batting: .279 average, 30 home runs, 80 RBIs in 129 games.
- Pitching: 8-2 record, 1.79 ERA, 85 2/3 innings over 14 starts.
- Recent slump: .130/.298/.196 line over the last 12 games, with only one homer in the previous 21 games outside Coors Field.
- Recent hitless stretch: 7-for-51 (.137) in the prior 13 games; 0-for-4 with four strikeouts on September 4.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberts explained that if Ohtani were placed on the IL, the stint could be back-dated up to three days, which would count the games he has already missed toward the mandatory 15-day period for two-way players. MLB rules require a 15-day IL for pitchers and a 10-day IL for position players; Ohtani’s classification forces the longer duration.
On-the-Ground Reports
With Ohtani sidelined, Tommy Edman has taken a leading role, delivering a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning of the September 4 win and filling in at center field for the injured Andy Pages. Max Muncy assumed the DH slot for the series finale, while catcher Dalton Rushing, scratched earlier due to elbow soreness, was placed on the IL and replaced by Eliezer Alfonzo.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the precise medical diagnosis. Some reports attribute Ohtani’s issues to “biceps problems” and “left-knee discomfort,” while a sports-medicine commentary links the symptoms to possible cervical nerve irritation without confirming a specific condition. No definitive medical statement has been released by the Dodgers’ staff.
What’s Next
The Dodgers must decide soon whether to activate the 15-day IL for Ohtani. If placed on the IL, the back-date provision could credit the three games already missed, but any additional days would extend his absence. The decision will shape the roster for the final stretch of the regular season and the upcoming postseason.
