Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani Returns as Dodgers Gear Up for Postseason Push
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Activation Details
On September 24, 2026, the Los Angeles Dodgers activated two-way star Shohei Ohtani from the 15-day injured list (IL) ahead of their home game against the San Diego Padres. The move required the Dodgers to option rookie outfielder Josue De Paula to Triple-A Oklahoma City to clear a roster spot. Ohtani rejoined the lineup as the designated hitter, batting second behind Mookie Betts.
Recent Performance and Health Overview
Ohtani entered the IL after a stretch in which he was 6-for-49 (.122) with 21 strikeouts over 13 games, failing to homer or drive in a run. His season totals, per CBSSports, stand at a .277 batting average, .380 on-base percentage, .522 slugging percentage, 30 home runs and 80 RBIs (146 OPS+). As a pitcher, he posted an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA, 95 strikeouts and 26 walks in 85 2/3 innings.
The IL placement was due to right-biceps inflammation, left-knee discomfort and lingering neck soreness. He last pitched on July 3 and will not take the mound again this season.
Roster Moves and Prospects
With Ohtani’s return, the Dodgers also activated Tarik Skubal from the bereavement list and optioned Kyle Hurt. Prospect Josue De Paula posted a .323 batting average, .500 on-base percentage, one home run, seven RBIs and a 1.081 OPS across 11 major-league games (Sports Illustrated). His performance kept him eligible for the postseason roster.
Manager and Front Office Comments
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that Ohtani would be in the lineup unless told otherwise, emphasizing the need for live at-bats to regain timing. Front office head Andrew Friedman highlighted extensive communication with Ohtani throughout the year and expressed confidence in his health. Hitting coach Aaron Bates described Ohtani’s recent preparation, noting a blend of machine work, live pitching and the Trajekt simulator as the best available option.
Impact on Lineup Strategy
Roberts faces a leadoff decision now that both Ohtani and Betts are healthy. He has suggested that Ohtani may lead off against right-handed pitchers while Betts could take the top spot versus lefties, though the final arrangement remains flexible and could shift based on matchups. Betts’ September surge—an OPS of 1.197, the highest among qualified hitters—adds weight to his potential continuation in the leadoff role.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the Dodgers’ record since Ohtani’s IL placement. USA Today reports an 8-3 record, while CBSSports cites a 9-3 tally. Both figures refer to the same post-IL stretch, but the exact win-loss count remains unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Unless I hear otherwise, he'll be in the lineup tomorrow,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “We certainly had a lot of communication with him throughout the year and worked together really well in terms of how to go about this," Friedman said.” — Andrew Friedman
- “Between [the] machine, live pitching, Trajekt, somewhere in between that, that’s the best you can do,” — Aaron Bates, Dodgers hitting coach
- “I would say if he was a 5 [on a scale from 1-10 before the IL stint], he's probably an 8 or a 9 right now,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
What’s Next
The Dodgers have five regular-season games remaining after Ohtani’s activation, providing a brief window to fine-tune his timing before the postseason. The team aims to secure a first-round bye, with the magic number down to one as of September 22, 2026. If Ohtani remains healthy, he is expected to start every game leading into the playoffs, while the leadoff spot may continue to rotate based on pitcher handedness.