Shohei Ohtani Not Likely To Pitch Again In 2026
MLB Trade Rumors • • sports
Key Points:
- Shohei Ohtani has not pitched in a major league game for over two months, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggests he is unlikely to return to pitching before the end of the 2026 season, either in regular or postseason play.
- Ohtani's last bullpen session was on August 28, intended as a final step before starting a game, but he cut it short due to right knee discomfort and a sore right biceps, halting his pitching comeback plans.
- Ohtani has been sidelined from the Dodgers' lineup for the past four games but may return as a designated hitter soon, as he reportedly felt well after batting practice.
- His two-way player status requires placement on the 15-day injured list for pitchers, complicating his return timeline and potentially sidelining him longer than if he were on the 10-day IL for position players.
- Ohtani's recent hitting performance has declined, hitting .200/.303/.400 over his last 109 plate appearances, possibly due to the physical strain of rehabbing his injuries while maintaining his DH role.
