Ohtani Rejoins Starting Lineup After Four-Game Absence
Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting lineup on Sept. 7, 2026, for a game against the Cincinnati Reds. The Japanese player had missed the team's previous four games due to health issues, marking the first time he has been sidelined for consecutive games since joining the Dodgers in 2023.
Confirmation of his return was provided by Bill Shaikin, who reported via Twitter on Sept. 7, 2026, that Ohtani is in the lineup for the evening's matchup. The team announced that Ohtani will be available to bat but will not take the mound during this game.
The Dodgers have won their last four games without Ohtani's participation. According to reports from Dose.ca, the team is now positioned to potentially re-enter playoff contention while managing Ohtani's health status.
Medical Status and Pitching Restrictions
Despite his return to the lineup as a hitter, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that Ohtani will likely not pitch for the remainder of the 2026 season. Roberts cited ongoing pain and inflammation as the primary reasons for this decision.
Ohtani has not pitched in a game since July 3. Reports indicate he has experienced setbacks following bullpen sessions, which contributed to the decision to limit his role moving forward. MLB Trade Rumors reported on Sept. 7 that Ohtani is not expected to pitch again in 2026, noting that even a single inning as a starter appears unlikely.
The Dodgers' medical staff will continue to monitor Ohtani's condition closely. The team's stated goal is to maximize his offensive contributions for the rest of the season rather than risk further injury by having him pitch.
Historical Context and Injury Timeline
Ohtani's current situation follows a long history of elbow complications. He underwent two separate surgeries on his right elbow in 2023. After those procedures, he did not take the mound for the Dodgers until June 2025.
During the first half of the 2026 season, Ohtani was among the contenders for the National League Cy Young Award before his recent health issues arose. His role as a pitcher has been limited in recent years, and he played a significant part in helping the Dodgers win back-to-back World Series titles over the past two seasons.
Offensive Performance and MVP Implications
Reports suggest that Ohtani was struggling offensively during his last appearances before this four-game absence. The team's focus on using him exclusively as a hitter raises questions about his impact in the upcoming games.
Dose.ca noted that if Ohtani cannot pitch, other players may see increased attention in award races. Specifically, the outlet mentioned that Pete Crow-Armstrong is solidifying his lead in the National League MVP race and could benefit from the shift in team strategy. The report stated that prioritizing Crow-Armstrong's MVP chances is not a priority for the Dodgers organization, but the possibility remains as Ohtani's role evolves.
There is also speculation regarding whether Ohtani will avoid the 15-day injured list for the rest of the season. While it is possible he may remain active without being placed on the list, reports caution that his condition could change quickly given the nature of his injuries and the ongoing pain he experiences.
Team Dynamics and Playoff Positioning
The Dodgers' ability to win four consecutive games while Ohtani was sidelined demonstrates depth in the roster. However, the team must now balance the need for his offensive power with the medical restrictions placed on his pitching eligibility.
Roberts acknowledged the schedule constraints when discussing Ohtani's potential return to the mound. He noted that calculating the remaining games in the season makes it difficult to justify bringing Ohtani back as a pitcher, even for limited appearances.
Ohtani's health remains the central factor for the Dodgers' postseason hopes. The team has announced its intention to keep him in the lineup as a hitter while managing his physical limitations. How long he can sustain this role without aggravating his pain levels will determine his final contribution to the 2026 season.