Shohei Ohtani targets a crucial midweek return against the San Diego Padres, bypassing rehab assignments to log essential plate appearances and manage lingering discomfort ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ postseason push.
Shohei Ohtani moved significantly closer to rejoining the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend as he continues recovering from left knee and right arm and biceps trouble that disrupted his 2026 season.
Ohtani took between 30 and 40 swings against the Trajekt machine after hitting against a coach on Sunday. He then ran the bases while Dodgers strength coach Travis Smith supervised the workout.
When can Ohtani return?
The two-way star becomes eligible for activation from the 15-day Injured List on Sept. 23. Manager Dave Roberts still considers a return on that date possible.
According to Dodger Blue, Roberts said the timing remained uncertain but confirmed that the Dodgers hope Ohtani can return Wednesday for the home series against the San Diego Padres.
“Still up in the air, but that’s our hope,” Roberts explained.
If activated Wednesday, Ohtani would have only five regular season games to prepare for the postseason. He will not complete a minor-league rehab assignment because so little time remains in the season.
Roberts plans to keep Ohtani in the lineup through the end of the regular season because he needs live at-bats before October.
“Absolutely. He’ll need those live at-bats,” Roberts said.
That workload would represent a significant change from Ohtani’s final stretch before landing on the Injured List.
He missed four consecutive games and was absent again one day after returning to the lineup Sept. 7. That sequence eventually resulted in his Injured List placement.
Ohtani had appeared compromised at the plate by his lingering physical problems before being shut down. Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani probably has not returned to full strength but believes he can manage the remaining discomfort.
Roberts distinguished discomfort from pain and indicated that Ohtani could play through the former. The manager said Ohtani is likely not at 100%, although his condition has improved since the previous week.
Roberts added that Ohtani could provide more specific information about his condition. However, he expects Ohtani to be in his best physical condition in quite some time when the Dodgers activate him.
“Discomfort he can play through. I would say pain-free. I think there’s a difference between discomfort and pain,” Roberts noted.
“Is it 100%? Probably not. Is it better than it was a week ago? Yes. Honestly, I think that’s a better question for Shohei, to get more specifics. But I do think when he’s activated, it’s going to be the best physical place he’s been in quite some time.”
Ohtani’s role moving forward
Ohtani will return exclusively as a designated hitter because Los Angeles has all but ruled out another pitching appearance this year.
Earlier this month, Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton that the outcome was disappointing. He intends to treat the season as a learning experience and use it to improve next year.
“Disappointing, but I want to make sure that when I look back on this season, I use it as a learning experience and make sure I use it as something to improve upon for next season,” Ohtani said.
Although losing his two-way role was not the result Ohtani wanted, he understands his importance to the lineup. He will attempt to help Los Angeles win a third consecutive World Series.
Ohtani’s presence places extra pressure on pitchers. His power can change a game immediately, while his discipline prevents opponents from neutralizing him simply by avoiding the middle of the strike zone.
He must now rely on preparation and adaptability while managing discomfort. Ohtani has accepted a reduced role without allowing the disappointment to alter his objective.
His focus is contributing with his bat and giving the Dodgers their most dangerous lineup for the postseason.
