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Dodgers return Ohtani as leadoff DH after rest

9/8/2026

10 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ohtani Returns

Dodgers placed Shohei Ohtani back in the lineup as leadoff DH on Monday, September 7, 2026.
Ohtani missed four games due to left-knee, right-biceps and neck soreness.
Roberts said the Dodgers have “put a pin” on Ohtani’s pitching, making a return unlikely.
Roberts noted Ohtani is batting .279 with .381 OBP, 30 homers and 80 RBIs.
The team won four games without him, leads NL West, and hopes his rest restores performance.

Summary

Sheehan Starts

Dodgers recalled right-hander Emmet Sheehan from Triple-A to start the series opener versus the Reds.
Sheehan posted a 1.50 ERA over 18 Triple-A innings after a 5.29 ERA in his prior 20 starts.
Reds will counter with ace Chase Burns, a 2026 All-Star holding a 2.79 ERA and 171 strikeouts.
The win moved Los Angeles to the National League’s No. 2 seed, two games behind Milwaukee.

History

Historical Context

Hideo Nomo’s 1995 debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers—13 wins, a 2.54 ERA and a league-leading 236 strikeouts—sparked “Nomomania” and opened MLB scouting to Japan. Building on that trail, the 2026 Dodgers employ Shohei Ohtani as a leadoff designated hitter, posting a .279 average with 30 homers and 80 RBIs, echoing Nomo’s cross-cultural impact.

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Ohtani Returns

Dodgers placed Shohei Ohtani back in the lineup as leadoff DH on Monday, September 7, 2026.
Ohtani missed four games due to left-knee, right-biceps and neck soreness.
Roberts said the Dodgers have “put a pin” on Ohtani’s pitching, making a return unlikely.
Roberts noted Ohtani is batting .279 with .381 OBP, 30 homers and 80 RBIs.
The team won four games without him, leads NL West, and hopes his rest restores performance.

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