Ohtani's comeback comes as Dodgers seek playoff positioning with five games remaining
Category: Sports
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani made his much-anticipated return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on September 23, 2026, after spending 15 days on the injured list due to right biceps and left knee injuries. Ohtani was activated and inserted into the lineup for the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, batting second behind Mookie Betts, who took over the leadoff spot for the day.
Ohtani's return is particularly important as the Dodgers are gearing up for the postseason, with only five games left in the regular season. Manager Dave Roberts expressed cautious optimism about Ohtani's performance, noting that it had been a long time since he played competitively. "For me, it’s just see the baseball, just take good at-bats," Roberts said. "I’m not expecting too much. It’s been a long time since he’s played, but it’s just good to get him in there."
Before his stint on the injured list, Ohtani had struggled significantly, hitting only .198 in 24 games with 34 strikeouts. He did, nonetheless, lead the team with 30 home runs and boasted a .902 OPS. His absence was felt deeply by the Dodgers, who managed to win only three games out of the 18 they played without him.
Ohtani's activation comes at a time when the Dodgers are looking to secure their playoff positioning and to build momentum heading into October. The team had been performing well in his absence, winning three of their last four games, but they still needed their star player back to strengthen their lineup.
In a corresponding move, top prospect Josue De Paula was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room for Ohtani. The Dodgers had been without Ohtani for 17 of their last 18 games, a stretch that included a five-game winning streak and 11 consecutive home victories prior to their loss to the Padres on September 23.
The Dodgers were unable to clinch a postseason bye that night, falling to the Padres 5-1, which was a disappointing outcome for the team and its fans. The loss dropped the Dodgers to a 97-61 record, and they left 12 runners on base during the game, struggling to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Ohtani's return is seen as a positive development, but he is expected to play only as a hitter, as the team continues to manage his injuries. "I think there's no question it affected him, and I think the fact that he feels as good as he does right now is certainly encouraging," said Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers' president of baseball operations. He emphasized the importance of Ohtani getting as many at-bats as possible to regain his rhythm before the playoffs.
In his return game, Ohtani went 1-for-4, with a single in his first at-bat, a six-pitch walk, and two strikeouts. He showed improved plate discipline compared to his performance before the injured list, where he had been struggling significantly. "He looked good, at-bat quality good," Roberts noted, adding that Ohtani did not appear rushed or pressured during his at-bats.
The Dodgers are looking ahead to their next games, with the expectation that Ohtani will be in the lineup for the remaining four games of the regular season. They are hopeful that his performance will continue to improve as they prepare for the postseason.
Ohtani's return comes as the Dodgers face a challenging schedule, needing to solidify their playoff position. The team is determined to leverage Ohtani's skills to maximize their chances of success in the upcoming postseason. As the Dodgers gear up for the playoffs, Ohtani's presence in the lineup could be the key to their championship aspirations.
As the regular season winds down, fans and analysts alike will follow closely closely to see how Ohtani performs in the coming games and how the Dodgers adjust their lineup strategies with him back in the fold. The excitement surrounding his return is tangible, and the Dodgers are set to make a push for the title with their star player back in action.