Shohei Ohtani is set to return from the injured list on Wednesday, Sept. 23, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers a boost in their lineup just as the postseason nears. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Tuesday that Ohtani, sidelined since Sept. 8 with right bicep and left knee issues, has met all the requirements to rejoin the team.
Ohtani took batting practice and completed his usual workout routine on Tuesday ahead of the Dodgers’ 7-0 win over the San Diego Padres. “The thought is tomorrow,” Roberts told reporters. “Unless I hear otherwise, he'll be in the lineup tomorrow.” If activated, Ohtani will have five regular-season games to regain form before October’s playoffs.
The Dodgers have thrived without Ohtani, compiling an 8-3 record since his injury and outscoring opponents 59-28 during that stretch. They entered Wednesday riding a five-game winning streak, having already clinched the NL West title. Their magic number to secure a first-round bye stands at one, allowing Ohtani some low-pressure opportunities to adjust, even though he has yet to face live pitching as part of his rehab.
Ohtani’s return raises questions about the Dodgers’ batting order. Roberts mentioned he might keep Mookie Betts batting leadoff against left-handed pitching, despite Ohtani’s presence at the top of the order. The manager’s options elsewhere in the roster are also shifting. Catcher Eliezer Alfonzo was optioned on Tuesday as center fielder Andy Pages returned to the active roster.
Meanwhile, rookie Josue De Paula is making a strong impression during his first major league trial and is pushing for a spot on the playoff roster. Left-handed hitting off the bench seems likely if he makes the cut. The Dodgers also expect to activate Dalton Rushing soon. He has been on the injured list since Sept. 6 with right elbow discomfort and will compete with De Paula for roster space over the final five games.
Roberts acknowledged that Rushing faces an uphill battle to prove himself in a limited window. “It’s not a knock on him,” Roberts said. “He’s been great for us. but it’s still tough given that also you’re talking about the consistency of at-bats recently from Josue. We have to have those conversations and make a decision.”
As the Dodgers prepare for October, their offense looks increasingly dangerous with Ohtani’s return. The timing could not be better for a team that looked vulnerable just weeks ago. The club’s ability to integrate Ohtani smoothly back into the lineup will be watched closely in the coming days.
According to Yahoo Sports.