Despite late-season injury scares, Shohei Ohtani returns to the lineup fully healthy, providing a massive offensive boost as the Los Angeles Dodgers begin the postseason.
Shohei Ohtani received an encouraging health update before the Los Angeles Dodgers open their National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday.
Dodgers hitting coach Aaron Bates said Ohtani is physically prepared for the postseason after dealing with multiple injuries late in the regular season.
Ohtani spent 15 days on the Injured List because of right biceps discomfort and issues with his left knee. Los Angeles activated him on Sept. 23, allowing him to appear in the Dodgers’ final five regular season games.
The two-way star went 5-for-21 (.238) with eight strikeouts and a walk during those five games.
Although those results were not particularly strong, the Dodgers repeatedly emphasized that Ohtani’s health was their primary concern as he worked his way back into the lineup before October.
Ohtani ready to help Dodgers
Per Bob Nightengale from USA TODAY, Bates said Ohtani is physically fine entering the National League Division Series and that there are no concerns regarding his condition.
“Dodgers hitting coach Aaron Bates says that Shohei Ohtani is fine physically entering the NLDS and has absolutely no concerns,” Nightengale wrote.
That update provides Los Angeles with another reason for confidence as the team prepares for its postseason opener.
Ohtani finished the regular season hitting .275 with 30 home runs, 81 RBIs and an .889 OPS in 135 games.
He also went 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 85.2 innings over 14 starts, recording 95 strikeouts against 26 walks.
The Dodgers shut down Ohtani’s pitching workload for the remainder of the season because they prioritized his ability to contribute offensively.
He last pitched at home against the San Diego Padres on July 3. Ohtani said in September that he expected to concentrate on hitting rather than attempt to return to the mound during the 2026 season.
Los Angeles finished the regular season 100-62, won the National League West and earned a first-round bye.
The Dodgers will begin the National League Division Series against Atlanta at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. Ohtani is expected to occupy an important place in the lineup as Los Angeles starts its postseason run.
According to Katie Woo from The Athletic, Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton that he had a productive bye week but will continue managing and monitoring the arm and knee injuries that affected him throughout the second half of the season.
“As of now, it’s something I’m just going to have to manage.” Ohtani explained.
Ohtani’s importance
Ohtani can influence a game in several ways, even when one part of his extraordinary skill set is unavailable.
He will not pitch during this postseason, but his presence in the lineup still changes how opposing teams approach Los Angeles.
Pitchers must account for his power, patience and ability to punish mistakes from the beginning of an at-bat.
Ohtani also brings discipline and resilience. Recovering from multiple physical issues while preparing for postseason competition requires patience, trust in the medical process and a willingness to adjust expectations.
His ability to focus exclusively on hitting should help him simplify his preparation.
Ohtani does not need to carry the entire offense, but his calmness and capacity to change a game with one swing make him central to the Dodgers’ pursuit of a third straight World Series. His health gives Los Angeles another elite weapon against Atlanta.
