Dodgers manager says Ohtani unlikely to pitch again before 2026 season ends
Shohei Ohtani is expected to remain a designated hitter for the rest of the season after manager Dave Roberts indicated his pitching comeback is not feasible before the end of 2026.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Shohei Ohtani is not expected to return to the mound before the 2026 season concludes, either in the regular season or the playoffs. Roberts said the calendar and Ohtani’s limited recent throwing make a return unlikely, though he did not formally confirm a shutdown.
Ohtani last threw in a bullpen session on Aug. 28, which was meant to be the final step before a planned one-inning opener against the Detroit Tigers. The plan was to gradually increase his innings, potentially allowing him to start in the postseason. However, Ohtani stopped the session due to right-knee discomfort and a sore right biceps, and he has missed the Dodgers’ last four games.
Roberts indicated Ohtani could resume his designated-hitter duties on Monday after feeling well in a batting-practice session on Saturday. Because Ohtani is a two-way player, he would need to be placed on the 15-day injured list for pitchers rather than the 10-day list for position players, a factor that complicates roster decisions.
The outfielder’s recent hitting has dipped, with a .200 average, .303 on-base percentage and .400 slugging line over his last 109 plate appearances, coinciding with his recent throwing program and knee soreness. Analysts suggest the combined strain of rehab and regular DH play may have contributed to the decline.