Progressing through high-velocity machine work and baserunning drills, Shohei Ohtani targets a high-stakes return against San Diego Padres to fortify the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup for a deep postseason run.
Shohei Ohtani’s return is approaching as the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for the postseason. Saturday brought his most substantial progress yet: swings against a pitching machine, followed by work on the bases.
Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani took 30-to-40 swings against the Trajekt machine. On Friday, he had hit against a coach pitching to him. After Saturday’s at-bats, Ohtani ran the bases under the supervision of Dodgers strength coach Travis Smith.
Roberts said there is a good chance Ohtani returns during the upcoming home series against the San Diego Padres.
Ohtani is working through left knee and right arm and biceps trouble that ended his season as a two-way player and disrupted his 2026 campaign.
Although the Dodgers maintained otherwise, he had long appeared compromised at the plate by the lingering injuries. The team had said both issues affected him only while pitching.
Los Angeles placed Ohtani on the 15-day Injured List with an official designation of right biceps inflammation. He stopped baseball activities for a few days before beginning a gradual buildup.
According to Dodger Blue, Roberts said on Friday that, from everything he had heard, Ohtani’s previous three to five days had been productive and that he was in a good position.
“Everything I’ve heard, it’s been a really productive last three to four to five days. He’s in a good spot,” Roberts said.
When will Ohtani return?
Ohtani becomes eligible for activation Wednesday. A return that day would leave him five regular season games to prepare for the postseason. The Dodgers plan to activate him without a rehab assignment.
Roberts has downplayed concerns that Ohtani might lack enough at-bats before October. Los Angeles hopes to begin its postseason in the National League Division Series.
Roberts said Ohtani’s own sense of readiness matters most, although he estimated that 10 to 12 at-bats would be useful.
“I think no matter what I say, it really doesn’t matter in the sense of it’s what he feels good with, what gets him ready,” Roberts noted.
“So I could say 10, but it could be 12. I think for me, if I’m just kind of spitballing, I think 10 to 12 would be great.”
What to expect from Ohtani
When Ohtani returns, he will serve exclusively as a designated hitter. The Dodgers have all but ruled out another pitching appearance this year.
As a hitter, Ohtani can make an impact without needing many opportunities. His power forces pitchers to consider the consequences of challenging him, while his eye at the plate allows him to wait for a pitch he can drive.
He can adjust within an at-bat, recognizing when an opponent changes location or tries to disrupt his timing. That ability will matter as he works to regain his rhythm after time away.
Ohtani also knows how to prepare under intense scrutiny. He has had to balance the demands of hitting and pitching while managing physical setbacks this season.
Returning solely as a designated hitter gives him one responsibility to concentrate on as October approaches.
Saturday’s swings and baserunning showed how much work he has completed. Ohtani’s next challenge is bringing his timing and confidence back into the Dodgers’ lineup.
