Shohei Ohtani
Breakdown
Performance
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September 11, 2026
Officially lands on 15-day IL
The Dodgers placed Ohtani (knee/neck) on the 15-day injured list Friday due to right biceps inflammation, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.
Analysis
Ohtani attempted to play through nagging biceps, knee and neck injuries, but a stint on the IL was warranted after the superstar slugger suffered a setback earlier this week. Because of his placement on the 15-day IL as a two-way player, Ohtani will not be eligible to return to action for the Dodgers until Saturday, Sept. 26 against the Giants, the penultimate regular-season game of 2026. Top Dodgers prospect Josue De Paula had his contract selected from Double-A Tulsa ahead of Friday's game against the Marlins, and he figures to see the bulk of starts at DH for as long as Ohtani is on the shelf.
September 10, 2026
Headed to injured list
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after Wednesday's 14-1 win over the Reds that Ohtani (knee/biceps) will be placed on the 15-day injured list, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Ohtani returned to the lineup Monday following a four-game absence, but he felt more discomfort this week and will now be forced to the shelf due to his nagging knee and biceps injuries. As a two-way player, he will have to be placed on the 15-day IL as opposed to the 10-day IL, per MLB rules. The Dodgers will bring up top prospect Josue De Paula to take on the lion's share of the reps at designated hitter while Ohtani is out.
September 9, 2026
Stint on injured list on table
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Wednesday that a stint on the injured list is "on the table" for Ohtani (biceps/knee/neck), Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Ohtani is working through biceps, knee and neck injuries, and his absence from Wednesday's lineup against the Reds will mark his sixth missed game over the Dodgers' last seven contests. He didn't feel great after a swing during Monday's game against Cincinnati, and the Dodgers may have no choice but to place Ohtani on the injured list and hope that an extended absence will have him in shape for the postseason. Thursday's off day will give both the Dodgers and Ohtani the opportunity to work through some things and determine next steps.
September 9, 2026
Officially out of Wednesday's lineup
Ohtani (biceps/knee/neck) is not in the Dodgers' starting lineup against the Reds on Wednesday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.
Analysis
As expected, Ohtani will be out of the Dodgers' lineup for the sixth time in seven games while working through biceps, knee and neck injuries. With Freddie Freeman also absent from the lineup, Will Smith will be the Dodgers' designated hitter Wednesday while Enrique Hernandez will start at first base and bat ninth.
September 9, 2026
Expected to remain out Wednesday
Ohtani (biceps/knee/neck) is not expected to be in the Dodgers' starting lineup against the Reds on Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Ohtani was initially slated to return to the lineup after sitting out of Tuesday's contest, but the superstar slugger will end up being idle for the sixth time in seven games while dealing with lingering knee, biceps and neck injuries. Teoscar Hernandez, Max Muncy, Freddie Freeman and others will rotate as the Dodgers' designated hitter for as long as Ohtani is out of action.
September 8, 2026
Out of lineup Tuesday
Ohtani is not in the lineup for Tuesday's matchup against the Reds, per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports.
Analysis
Ohtani will miss the second game of a three-game set against Cincinnati after going 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts in his return to the lineup Monday. Over his last 15 games, the four-time MVP has slashed just .186/.324/.390 with three homers and five RBI in 69 plate appearances. Freddie Freeman will slot in as the Dodgers' designated hitter Tuesday.
September 8, 2026
Keeping focus on hitting
After going 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout in his return to the lineup Monday against the Reds, Ohtani said he's "most likely" not going to be pitching again this season and will be "focusing on hitting moving forward," SportsNet LA reports.
Analysis
The two-way superstar's return to the lineup Monday was a welcome sight after sitting out four contests due to lingering right biceps soreness and left knee inflammation, but it appears his return to the mound will be put on hold for now. Ohtani hasn't pitched for the Dodgers since July 3 versus San Diego due to the injuries, which also appear to have affected his bat given that he has a .122/.295/.184 slash line and 34.4 percent strikeout rate in his past 13 contests. The Dodgers haven't officially ruled out a return to pitching for Ohtani this season, and the club may hold out hope for his availability off the mound in the playoffs, even in a limited capacity.
September 7, 2026
Returning to lineup Monday
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Ohtani (knee/biceps) will be the designated hitter and leadoff man in Monday's game against the Reds, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Ohtani missed each of the last four contests as he deals with lingering right biceps soreness and left knee inflammation. While he's feeling well enough to return to action Monday, Ohtani could have to play through some discomfort the rest of the way. Roberts has not ruled out a return to pitching this year for Ohtani, but it's a long shot.
September 6, 2026
Could return Monday
Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Ohtani's (knee/biceps) workout went well Saturday, and as long as things continue in this direction, "I see him in there [Monday]," Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis
Roberts had been keeping the door open for a possible IL stint for Ohtani, but that now sounds unlikely in light of Ohtani's progress. Ohtani hit in the batting cage Saturday and did not report any soreness. He will miss a fourth consecutive start Sunday night against the Nationals. While he appears on the verge of his return as a hitter, Ohtani is considered unlikely to pitch again this season.
September 6, 2026
Sitting again Sunday
Ohtani (knee/biceps) is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals.
Analysis
Make it four consecutive absences for the four-time MVP. Manager Dave Roberts has been leaving the door open for a possible IL stint, though Ohtani reportedly made it through his session in the batting cage Saturday without any discomfort. Ohtani's availability as a hitter for the start of the Dodgers' next series remains uncertain.