Shohei Ohtani has not pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers since July 3, and it seems all but certain that is going to be his final time on the mound in 2026.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts previously revealed it was “unlikely” Ohtani would pitch again this year, though added that they haven’t officially shut him down while recognizing the calendar was not in their favor.
Ohtani also confirmed he’s going to focus on his role as the Dodgers’ designated hitter and won’t resume pitching anytime soon.
“Most likely no,” Ohtani said through his interpreter, Will Ireton, when asked if he would continue building up as a pitcher this season. “And I’m going to be focusing on hitting moving forward.”
The Dodgers have continued to leave a crack in the door for Ohtani to return as a pitcher, even if it comes in just one-inning increments. But for now, Roberts said the Dodgers are “putting a pin in it.”
“That means it’s not dead, but we’re not throwing or have a timetable for when he’s going to pick up a baseball,” Roberts explained.
Still, the chances are closer to 0% than 1% that it will happen. When asked why the Dodgers won’t just officially shut Ohtani down as a pitcher, Roberts replied, “I’m choosing not to say it’s dead.”
Roberts said Ohtani was “completely fine” with the decision and that he understands his importance to the Dodgers as a hitter.
“I think it’s more of what’s best for the team, No. 1. And 1A, what’s best for him,” Roberts said. “He loves pitching, loves being a two-way player, but it just doesn’t make any sense right now.”
Ohtani has battled various injuries this season, including lingering soreness in his left knee, discomfort in his right biceps, and a more recent neck issue.
The Dodgers recently gave Ohtani four days off to let some of his injuries heal, and then he was back in the lineup on Monday.
Moving forward, the Dodgers will be more cautious with Ohtani as they focus on getting him at his best for October, and that could include more days off.
Shohei Ohtani disappointed by not pitching
Although Ohtani is on board with the plan to shut down his pitching this year, he’s still not thrilled with the outcome and hopes to use it to better himself moving forward.
“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.
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