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Dodgers activate Shohei Ohtani, expecting daily lineup role

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 6:20 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Ohtani Activated

Los Angeles Dodgers activated designated hitter Shohei Ohtani off the 15-day injured list on September 22, 2026.
Manager Dave Roberts placed Ohtani in the lineup for the game against the San Diego Padres.
Dodgers optioned prospect outfielder Josue De Paula to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Ohtani is batting .277 with 30 homers and 80 RBIs in 130 games.
Roberts expects Ohtani to play daily and may move him to the leadoff spot.

Summary

Dodgers Limit Pitching

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Ohtani’s injury communication has been insufficient and needs improvement.
Friedman noted Ohtani is willing to play despite discomfort, likening him to Freddie Freeman and Clayton Kershaw.
Since Ohtani’s IL stint, the Dodgers have gone 8-3, outscoring opponents 59-28.
The club has barred Ohtani from pitching in 2026, using him only as designated hitter.

History

Historical Context

American League introduced the designated hitter rule in 1973, allowing teams to field a specialist batter without fielding duties. Ron Blomberg became the first DH for the New York Yankees on April 6, 1973, delivering two hits in a 5-3 win over Boston. Likewise, the 2026 Dodgers, led by Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts, kept Shohei Ohtani as a DH, mirroring the rule’s original intent. This continuity underscores how the DH precedent shapes roster strategy, prompting teams to balance star power with injury management and long-term performance goals.

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Ohtani Activated

Los Angeles Dodgers activated designated hitter Shohei Ohtani off the 15-day injured list on September 22, 2026.
Manager Dave Roberts placed Ohtani in the lineup for the game against the San Diego Padres.
Dodgers optioned prospect outfielder Josue De Paula to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Ohtani is batting .277 with 30 homers and 80 RBIs in 130 games.
Roberts expects Ohtani to play daily and may move him to the leadoff spot.

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