Ohtani Returns to Dodgers, Gets Hit in First At-Bat After Injury

Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup on September 24 after a two-week absence on the 15-day injured list due to right biceps inflammation and left knee discomfort. The two-way star was activated before Wednesday's game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium and batted second as the designated hitter against left-handed starter Robbie Ray. In his first at-bat, Ohtani lined a pitch into right field for a single, drawing cheers from the crowd. He was later out at second base on a fielder's choice.

Ohtani last played on September 7 against Cincinnati, when his lingering injuries worsened. Before going on the injured list, he had appeared in only three games in September, batting .198 with 34 strikeouts in 24 games. Prior to the injury, the left-handed hitter was batting .277 with 30 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 89 runs scored over 134 games. Manager Dave Roberts noted that Ohtani appeared physically limited at the plate in recent weeks, struggling with fastballs, but expressed optimism about his recovery. Roberts described Ohtani as "considerably" better compared to when he went on the injured list, moving from about a "5" to an "8 or 9" on a scale of 1-10.

With Ohtani's return, the Dodgers have adjusted their lineup construction. Mookie Betts, who has been batting .366 with six home runs in 18 September games, remains in the leadoff spot against left-handed pitchers, with Ohtani batting second. Roberts indicated he plans to flip the order against right-handed pitchers, with Ohtani leading off. Top prospect Josue De Paula, who impressed during Ohtani's absence with a .323/.500/.581 batting line and 198 wRC+ in 42 plate appearances, was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. De Paula remains under consideration for the postseason roster.

Ohtani will not pitch for the remainder of the season. His attempt to ramp back up as a pitcher in August coincided with the flare-up of his biceps and knee injuries, which he had dealt with since at least June. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman noted that Ohtani has not always communicated his ailments clearly, preferring to play through discomfort. Friedman acknowledged that the team's earlier decision to avoid placing Ohtani on the injured list may have exacerbated his condition, but defended the process and stressed the importance of ensuring Ohtani's health for the postseason.

With five games remaining in the regular season, Ohtani is expected to play in all of them to accumulate at-bats after his extended absence. He did not face live pitching while on the injured list, instead taking coach batting practice and hitting off the Trajekt machine, which simulates live pitchers. The Dodgers conclude their series against the Padres on Thursday, then travel to San Francisco for three final regular-season games against the Giants.