The Los Angeles Dodgers are counting on Shohei Ohtani returning in time for the start of the playoffs, and Saturday represented his biggest progress toward making that a reality.
Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani 30 to 40 swings off the Trajekt machine, building on previously hitting against a coach pitching to him on Friday.
After the at-bats, Ohtani took the field to run the bases with Dodgers strength coach Travis Smith overseeing the work. Roberts said there now is a “good chance” Ohtani returns during the upcoming series against the San Diego Padres.
Ohtani is looking to overcome left knee and right arm/bicep trouble that shut him down from being a two-way player and threw his 2026 season well off course.
Although the Dodgers continued to assert otherwise, Ohtani long appeared compromised at the plate because of his lingering injuries. Both the knee and bicep were said to only affect him while pitching.
Ohtani was put on the 15-day injured list with an official designation of right biceps inflammation. He was initially shut down from baseball activities for a few days before beginning the buildup process.
“Everything I’ve heard, it’s been a really productive last three to four to five days. He’s in a good spot,” Roberts said on Friday.
When is Shohei Ohtani returning?
Ohtani is eligible to be activated off the injured list on Sept. 23. Should he return that date, it would amount to having five regular season games to prepare for the playoffs. Ohtani also is going to be activated without first going on a rehab assignment.
Roberts has downplayed any concern over there not being enough time for Ohtani to log a sufficient number of at-bats before the Dodgers begin playing October baseball, which they hope will be with the National League Division Series.
“I think no matter what I say, it really doesn’t matter in the sense of it’s what he feels good with, what gets him ready,” Roberts noted. “So I could say 10, but it could be 12. I think for me, if I’m just kind of spitballing, I think 10 to 12 would be great.”
Whenever Ohtani does return it will be limited to a DH role as the Dodgers all but completely ruled out pitching again this year.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
