The Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series hopes hinge on Shohei Ohtani’s health as the two-way phenom tests his swing, aiming for a high-stakes return just days before the postseason begins.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have already secured their place in the postseason. Their more important concern is whether Shohei Ohtani will be fully prepared when October begins.
Los Angeles received an encouraging development Tuesday when Ohtani swung a bat for the first time since being placed on the Injured List.
The Dodgers superstar hit off a tee in Los Angeles and felt good afterward, providing manager Dave Roberts and the organization with another positive sign during his recovery.
When will Ohtani return?
An exact return date remains undetermined, and the schedule leaves little room for setbacks. Ohtani cannot be activated until Sept. 23, giving him only a few regular season games to regain his comfort before the postseason.
After weeks of injury concerns surrounding arguably MLB’s biggest star, any progress carries significance.
Before Tuesday’s game, Roberts confirmed to The Associated Press that Ohtani had hit off a tee and felt good.
“Shohei hit off the tee and felt good, too,” Roberts said.
The manager described the development as positive but said the Dodgers would continue increasing Ohtani’s workload gradually.
“Today was positive,” Roberts noted.
Los Angeles placed Ohtani on the 15-day Injured List on Thursday because of right biceps inflammation. He has also dealt with left knee and neck issues during the season.
The two-way star is not expected to pitch again this year, increasing the importance of his availability as a hitter.
Before landing on the Injured List, Ohtani was hitting .277 with 30 home runs, 80 RBIs and a .902 OPS in 130 games.
Because the Dodgers have already clinched a postseason berth, they can remain cautious instead of rushing their superstar back into the lineup.
Ohtani becomes eligible for activation Sept. 23. Los Angeles will have only five regular season games remaining at that point.
Roberts nevertheless expects Ohtani to play before the postseason. Although his return remains uncertain, the manager believes he will appear in some regular season games.
“Whether it happens or not is to be determined, but I do expect him to be back to play in some regular season games,” Roberts explained.
Roberts does not yet know how many he could play, creating an intriguing final stretch for Los Angeles.
The Dodgers do not need Ohtani to return to secure an October place because they have already accomplished that objective. They need him because their World Series hopes become considerably stronger with MLB’s most unique offensive player in their lineup.
Ohtani’s importance
Ohtani provides more than just ability to produce powerful contact. His presence changes how pitchers approach the entire batting order because they understand that one mistake can immediately alter a game.
He combines exceptional strength with patience, pitch recognition and the discipline to avoid chasing when opponents refuse to challenge him. Ohtani can attack early or work deep into an at-bat, forcing pitchers to adjust constantly.
His experience handling intense attention also matters in October. Ohtani carries enormous expectations without allowing them to disrupt his preparation or approach.
The Dodgers must protect his health, but even limited regular season action could help restore his timing and confidence. Tuesday’s swings represented only one step, but an important one.
