Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday.
With the recent moves of both Andy Pages and Roki Sasaki activated off the Injured List ahead of the series opener against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers are expecting another big name to make their return.
Shohei Ohtani, who has been sidelined since Sept. 11 (backdated to Sept. 8) with right bicep and left knee inflammation, is set to be in the starting lineup for the Dodgers on Wednesday.
"Unless I hear otherwise, he'll be in the starting lineup," manager Dave Roberts told the media on Tuesday via The Bleed Los Podcast.
Just ahead of his return, Roberts continued by saying that Ohtani will go through coach-toss batting practice and a light lift to ensure his readiness.
Before landing on the IL, Ohtani produced a slash line of .277/.380/.522 in 130 games with 14 registered starts and an ERA of 1.79. An interesting note: with the knee issue and pressure of pitching, Ohtani has swiped just 11 bases, which is his lowest mark since the 2022 season.
In terms of where Ohtani will be placed in the starting lineup, Roberts said that he will return to his normal capacity at the designated hitter spot, but could be rotated with Mookie Betts in that spot.
Aug 16, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a single against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at Dodger Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThough nothing is official, according to Roberts, the lineup configuration at the top spot will be dependent on the opposing pitching matchups. Versus lefties, Mookie Betts could stick at leadoff, and Ohtani could face off against the righties.
Regardless of lineup placement, Ohtani will have just five regular season games before the season ends and Postseason play commences.
Ohtani's return rounds out the Dodgers' starting lineup for October. Additionally, the bullpen will bolster as well, with Sasaki retaining his role in relief.
Roberts said that Sasaki is expected to toss a duo of innings out of the bullpen on Tuesday against San Diego and is considered to be an option as the closer for Los Angeles in the playoffs.
Still, Roberts has not appointed any arm as the solidified closer moving forward and mentioned that he does not see one hurler as the lone closer.
In terms of the starting rotation, Tarik Skubal is expected to return from the bereavement list on Friday and is scheduled to start in the series opener against the San Francisco Giants.
Blake Snell threw a bullpen ahead of Tuesday's game and is scheuled to pitch on Saturday.
Pages will not be limited in any capacity, according to Roberts, and he believes that he could play a whole game without any setbacks.
