Full Breakdown
Ohtani’s Injuries Prompt Dodgers to Weigh Injured-List Decision
9/10/2026, 7:34:04 AM
Core Event: Dodgers assess Ohtani’s status amid recurring injuries
Shohei Ohtani missed his sixth game in seven as the Los Angeles Dodgers entered the final weeks of the regular season. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that placing Ohtani on the injured list (IL) is “on the table” while the star deals with lingering left-knee, right-biceps, and neck discomfort. On September 9, 2026, Roberts said Ohtani “hasn’t totally recovered” from a swing on Monday and therefore was omitted from the Wednesday lineup. The player also fouled a ball off his foot during the seventh inning on September 7, 2026, and was absent on September 8 after a brief return the previous day.
Background & Context
Ohtani serves as a designated hitter and pitcher, a two-way role that makes his health a pivotal factor for the Dodgers’ postseason aspirations. The team entered the homestand finale on a six-game winning streak, but the mounting injury list—including first baseman Freddie Freeman’s right-knee issue—has forced the staff to balance short-term lineup needs with long-term player health.
Data & Statistics
- Season-to-date (130 games): .277 batting average, .902 OPS, 30 home runs, 80 RBIs.
- Since the start of August (30 games): .231 average, .778 OPS, 6 home runs, 13 RBIs.
- Last 13 games (since August 19): 6-for-49 with 21 strikeouts, no RBIs.
- Freeman’s recent line: .297 average, 16 home runs, 66 RBIs, currently on a 1-for-18 slump.
Official Statements & Responses
He described the plan as “building him up slowly,” using off days and the Thursday rest day to evaluate progress. The manager also highlighted the unique IL rule for two-way players, which would require Ohtani to miss 15 games rather than the standard 10-day period for position players. Despite the setbacks, Roberts said the Dodgers still have “enough time” to manage Ohtani’s workload while preserving his presence in the lineup.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think if we look right now, here today, I would love to go back and put him on the IL (last week),” — Dave Roberts, dodgers manager
- “I think the balancing part, No. 1 is getting him back to as healthy as he can be,” — Dave Roberts, dodgers manager
- “Anything should be on the table as far as kind of what gets him to be the best version of himself in September,” — Dave Roberts, dodgers manager
- “Talking to the training staff, it’s more the thought of, ‘Let’s build him up slowly,'” — Dave Roberts, dodgers manager
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the procedural impact of an IL stint for a two-way player. One report notes the standard 10-day IL, while another specifies that Ohtani would have to miss 15 games under the two-way designation. No definitive timeline has been announced for a potential return, and the exact criteria the medical staff will use to clear him remain unspecified.
What’s Next
The Dodgers could reinstate Ohtani as early as Friday in the opening game of a three-game road series against the Miami Marlins. Alternatively, he may remain sidelined through the final home series against the San Diego Padres later in the month if additional rest is deemed necessary. The team will reconvene with medical staff after Thursday’s off day to decide the next steps.
