Full Breakdown
Dodgers Sit Shohei Ohtani After One-Game Return to Manage Injuries
9/9/2026, 6:06:50 PM
Core Event: Ohtani Removed from Lineup Following Return
On September 8, 2026, Shohei Ohtani appeared in the Dodgers’ lineup for the first time after a four-day rest, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk in a 6-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds. The next day he was again omitted from the roster. Manager Dave Roberts explained that the team chose to “build him up slowly” after consulting the training staff, and that Ohtani will focus exclusively on hitting for the remainder of the season.
Background & Context
Ohtani has been coping with lingering soreness in his left knee and right biceps, injuries that have kept him off the mound since July 3. Prior to his recent return, he missed four consecutive games and sat out the Washington Nationals series. The Dodgers have used the stretch without him to win four straight games, including a sweep of the Nationals.
Data & Statistics
- Season batting line: .277 average, 30 home runs, 80 RBIs in 129 games (.906 OPS).
- Recent slump: 7-for-51 (.137) over his last 13 games before the break; .186 over the prior 15 games.
- Pitching record before being sidelined: 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts (85 2/3 innings).
- Ohtani’s last home run came on August 18; since then he has recorded six hits in 49 at-bats with 19 strikeouts.
Official Statements & Responses
He indicated Ohtani would be available to pinch-hit against the Reds and expected him back in the starting lineup on Wednesday.
He also noted that playing while injured is not ideal for recovery, adding, “As long as I’m playing in games, it’s not exactly the best way to recover and heal.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Talking to the training staff, it’s more the thought of, ‘Let’s build him up slowly,'” — Dave Roberts, manager
- “It’s about, ‘What can we do to get him to be optimum as we get into the postseason?’” — Dave Roberts, manager
- “It was certainly good to get him back out there, but there was certainly nothing to kind of write home about,” — Dave Roberts, manager
- “As long as I’m playing in games, it’s not exactly the best way to recover and heal,” — Shohei Ohtani
- “Yes, he loves pitching, loves being a two-way player,” — Dave Roberts, manager
Why It Matters / Impact
The Dodgers are leading the NL West and have 19–20 games remaining. Managing Ohtani’s health is critical to preserving his offensive production while acknowledging that his two-way role is effectively on hold. Roberts’ strategy of intermittent rest days aims to maximize Ohtani’s batting contributions without risking further injury, a balance that could influence the team’s postseason positioning.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some outlets describe the situation as “unlikely” for him to pitch again, while others note the option remains technically open. No definitive timetable has been provided for additional off-days or a possible return to the rotation.
What’s Next
Roberts expects Ohtani to rejoin the lineup on Wednesday and remains flexible about inserting extra rest days as needed. The team plans to adjust his schedule based on daily health assessments, with no pre-determined plan for the final weeks of the regular season.
