Shohei Ohtani Begins Injury Rehab Progression as Dodgers Hope for Late-Season Return
Shohei Ohtani has taken the initial step in his comeback after resuming baseball activities, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers hope that their star could return before the postseason begins. Ohtani, who was placed on the injured list with inflammation in his right biceps, took his first swings since that move Tuesday in Los Angeles, swinging off a tee. The session was positive, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, and Ohtani felt good after it was over.
Ohtani was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sept. 8, after lingering physical issues limited his availability down the stretch of the regular season. The Dodgers decided to give him more time to recover as the team headed into the postseason. His latest hitting session was a big step toward gradually building up his activity level for the organization.
Roberts said the team would stick to consistent progression, rather than setting an immediate return date. The Dodgers manager did not give a timetable but said he was confident Ohtani could return for at least some regular-season games before the playoffs. It is not known how many games he could play.
Ohtani has not been with the Dodgers on this leg of the rehab assignment, instead remaining in Los Angeles for workouts and treatment. The team is taking his recovery slowly with an eye toward the postseason, when his offensive output could be a big part of the Dodgers' plans.
The four-time MVP remains one of baseball's most impactful players, even with his recent injury struggles. The Dodgers are approaching the end of the regular season, and his recovery has become a major storyline because of his ability to impact games as a hitter.
Dodgers Watching Ohtani's Recovery, Still Possible Return in Regular Season
The Dodgers remain optimistic that Ohtani can come back before the regular season concludes, but that schedule will be determined by how he progresses with ongoing rehab work. His injury list placement was backdated to Sept. 8, making him eligible to return as soon as Sept. 23. That would leave Los Angeles with only five regular-season games left.
There is not much time for Ohtani to get his timing back and get ready to compete with the postseason looming. But the Dodgers think a brief return could help him regain confidence and rhythm before the playoffs. "We are monitoring his progress, and we are not trying to push his return."
Ohtani has dealt with several physical issues this season. A left knee injury limited his pitching activities, and then a right biceps problem limited his ability to be an everyday hitter. "The Dodgers are making sure his recovery is a priority to be ready for the most important part of the season."
Ohtani is not expected to return as a pitcher this season but is still useful offensively with his presence in the lineup. His return would add depth and experience to a postseason roster, and the Dodgers have counted him as a designated hitter.
Manager Dave Roberts has stressed the need for small steps forward in the recovery process. How Ohtani progresses through each phase, including hitting off a tee and increasing baseball activities, will determine what follows in his rehabilitation program. The Dodgers will continue to evaluate him before determining when he can return to game action.
Ohtani's Offensive Impact Still Matters in Dodgers' Postseason Push
Ohtani had been doing well with the Dodgers before ending up on the injured list. In 2026, he hit .277/.380/.522 with 30 homers and 80 RBIs in 130 games. His offensive numbers have stayed among the best on the team.
The Dodgers were entering the final stretch of the regular season with playoff hopes and a comfortable spot in the National League standings. The team has already clinched a playoff spot and is battling for positioning heading into October baseball. If you have Ohtani available, even for a few games, that gives you another big offensive option.
And the Dodgers have kept winning without Ohtani. He was injured, but the team won without him, and other stars stepped up. But Ohtani's unique ability to change games with power hitting and overall offensive production still represents a major advantage.
His return also gives the Dodgers more flexibility in building their postseason lineup. As a DH, Ohtani gives you another middle-of-the-order threat who can change a game with his home runs, extra-base hits, and constant offensive pressure.
The organization recognizes the need to be both urgent and cautious. Rushing him back before he is healthy could just cause more problems but giving him enough time to recuperate could help him contribute to the postseason. The Dodgers' medical and coaching staff will continue to monitor his progress as he moves through each phase of his rehabilitation.
As the postseason nears, Ohtani's recovery has emerged as one of the top stories surrounding the Dodgers. As the club prepares for October competition, fans and the team will be watching his progress as a hitter.
Dodgers Ready for Postseason in the Meantime with Ohtani
The availability of Ohtani is a significant factor for the Dodgers, who are entering the postseason with expectations of competing at the highest level. The team has already clinched a playoff berth and is still working on other goals left in the regular season while making some roster decisions.
Ohtani's rehab will remain a priority as the Dodgers approach the end of the schedule. His ability to play regular-season games before the playoffs could help him get his timing back at the plate and get used to game conditions after missing time.
The team has not set a definite return date, and Roberts has said it will depend on how Ohtani responds to each step of the progression. The Dodgers are expected to slowly build up their workload, while monitoring their health and performance.
"The postseason is a different level of competition and having experienced players available can be important for teams preparing for October matchups." Ohtani has a record of accomplishment of coming through in clutch situations, so his return is important for the Dodgers.
His presence on the mound is not anticipated to return this season, but his offensive prowess continues to add value to the team's postseason plans. The Dodgers will focus on making sure he is ready to help in the role that is there for the taking.
As the regular season edges toward its conclusion, Ohtani's recovery will be closely watched. His first at-bats since going on the injured list were encouraging, but the next steps in his rehab will determine whether he can be back on the field before the playoffs start.
