Ohtani Returns to Lineup, Likely Done Pitching in 2026
Shohei Ohtani is back in the lineup but says he's 'most likely' done pitching for the season, shifting his focus entirely to hitting.
The update
Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Monday after a four-game absence. The two-way star, however, confirmed that his time on the mound is over for the rest of the season. Speaking through an interpreter, Ohtani stated he is “most likely” not pitching again in 2026, a decision driven by a series of injuries that have plagued him throughout the campaign.
Why it matters
This marks a significant shift for the Dodgers’ star player. Ohtani has battled a left knee issue, neck soreness, and a right biceps flare-up that has compromised his ability to play both ways. Manager Dave Roberts noted that pitching no longer makes sense given the current health landscape. Ohtani’s focus is now exclusively on hitting, a pivot that alters the team’s strategic planning for the remainder of the season and potentially beyond.
What to watch
The immediate concern is Ohtani’s performance at the plate. He went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in his return. The Dodgers will need to adjust their roster strategy to account for his absence from the rotation. Whether this shutdown is temporary or permanent remains an open question as the team looks toward the postseason.
Sources
- cbssports.com — Ohtani's return to lineup, injury history, and 'most likely' quote
- espn.com — Manager's perspective on the decision and specific injury details
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