Ohtani Returns to Dodgers Lineup After Two-Week Injury Rest

Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup on Wednesday, September 24, after a two-week absence on the 15-day injured list due to right biceps inflammation and left knee discomfort. Manager Dave Roberts activated the two-way star, describing him as "considerably" better compared to when he went on the injured list, rating his condition an "8 or 9" on a 1-10 scale versus a "5" previously.

Ohtani batted second as the designated hitter against San Diego Padres left-handed starter Robbie Ray at Dodger Stadium, producing a single to right field in his first at-bat. The placement reflected a strategic shift: Mookie Betts moved to the leadoff spot after hitting .366 with six home runs in 18 September games. Manager Roberts indicated the Dodgers would use a platoon arrangement at the top of the lineup, with Ohtani leading off against right-handed pitchers and Betts against left-handers. "I like flipping [Betts and Ohtani] for the same reasons," Roberts said, citing matchup advantages.

Ohtani last played on September 7 against Cincinnati and had appeared in only three games in September before the injury forced rest. His performance had declined markedly—he hit .122 with a 34.4% strikeout rate from August 19 to September 7. During his absence, the Dodgers went 15-3 in their last 18 games and clinched their 13th NL West title in 14 years without him. Ohtani will not pitch this season; his return marks a shift to hitting-only duties following an August pitching ramping attempt that coincided with his injury flare-up.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged that managing Ohtani's workload presented challenges throughout the season. "I think there's no question it affected him," Friedman said, "and I think the fact that he feels as good as he does right now is certainly encouraging." He noted Ohtani had not always clearly reported his ailments, preferring to play through discomfort. Friedman defended the team's approach but emphasized future transparency would be important as Ohtani plans to continue as a two-way player in 2027 and beyond.

With five regular-season games remaining, Ohtani is expected to play in all of them to accumulate at-bats before the postseason. Top prospect Josue De Paula was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make roster space. De Paula, 21, had impressed during Ohtani's absence with a .323/.500/.581 line, 26.2% walk rate, and 198 wRC+ in 42 plate appearances, establishing himself as a potential postseason roster candidate. Pitcher Tarik Skubal was reinstated from the bereavement list and is scheduled to start Friday against San Francisco, while reliever Kyle Hurt was optioned to Triple-A.