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Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Rules Out Ohtani Pitching This Season

9/9/2026

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Summary

Ohtani Stops Pitching

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani will not pitch again this season.
Ohtani returned Monday, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk.
Shohei Ohtani announced he will focus on hitting for the rest of the season.
Ohtani is batting .277 with 30 homers and 80 RBIs this year.
Roberts said Ohtani’s left knee and right biceps soreness remain his main issues.

Summary

Dodgers Keep Lead

Dodgers maintain a 10.5-game NL West lead despite Ohtani’s limited availability.
Tommy Edman bats .355 in September while filling the leadoff spot and adding base-running speed.
Freddie Freeman shifts to designated hitter and bats fourth as the lineup adapts to Ohtani’s absence.
Manager Dave Roberts emphasizes load-management, scheduling extra off days to gradually restore Ohtani’s health.

History

Historical Context

In 2001, shortstop Derek Jeter missed 15 games with a hamstring strain, yet manager Joe Torre led the Yankees to a franchise-record 114 wins and a World Series title, capping the pennant streak that began in 1998. The Dodgers’ load-management of Shohei Ohtani under manager Dave Roberts reflects the league’s shift toward protecting star players, a trend that grew after the Yankees’ early-2000s injuries.

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Ohtani Stops Pitching

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani will not pitch again this season.
Ohtani returned Monday, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk.
Shohei Ohtani announced he will focus on hitting for the rest of the season.
Ohtani is batting .277 with 30 homers and 80 RBIs this year.
Roberts said Ohtani’s left knee and right biceps soreness remain his main issues.

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