September 23, 2026 • 3:04 AM EDT
Updated 3 seconds ago
Shohei Ohtani is expected to be activated from the injured list this Wednesday, just as the Los Angeles Dodgers are hitting their stride heading toward October. Manager Dave Roberts told reporters that unless plans change, Ohtani will be back in the lineup to face live pitching for the first time since early September. The Dodgers, having just locked up the NL West and riding a five-game winning streak, get their best player back at the exact moment they need to fine-tune for the postseason.
Ohtani hasn’t played since September 8 due to recurring issues with his right bicep and left knee. He started ramping up with coach-pitch batting practice and his normal workout routine. Roberts confirmed after Tuesday’s 7-0 win over the Padres that Ohtani is “checking all the boxes” for a return. Giving Ohtani five regular-season games before the playoffs isn’t just a bonus – it could be the edge LA needs to erase any doubts about their offensive muscle in October.
According to Yahoo Sports, Ohtani’s return injects fresh questions and possibilities for the Dodgers’ playoff roster. Over the last 11 games without him, the squad has gone 8-3, outscoring opponents 59-28. Players like Andy Pages are back, and young bats such as Josue De Paula are knocking on the door for a playoff bench spot. Catcher Eliezer Alfonzo was just optioned, while Alex Freeland or rookie De Paula could be next depending on how the Dodgers set up for the weeks ahead.
The major subplot here involves Dalton Rushing, sidelined since September 6 but expected to be activated soon. He’s battling with De Paula for what seems to be the last bench spot, but with only five games left, Rushing is fighting the clock to prove himself. Roberts addressed this roster squeeze, explaining that while Rushing “has been great for us,” he faces a tough task due to De Paula’s recent streak of regular at-bats. It’s a rare October problem for LA: too many capable hitters, not enough seats at the table.
- Ohtani returns after missing two weeks with bicep and knee issues.
- He’ll have five games to regain form before the postseason.
- Dodgers are already on a hot streak (8-3 in their last 11 games).
- Roster moves continue as Andy Pages returns and Eliezer Alfonzo is optioned.
- Dalton Rushing and Josue De Paula are competing for a likely playoff bench spot.
- Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani is on track and should be in Wednesday’s lineup barring setbacks.
Now, here’s what makes this so important if you’re sizing up Dodgers bets for October: In Ohtani’s absence, the team didn’t just survive, they dominated. Their scoring margin and energy make a lineup already featuring the league’s best names even scarier. If Ohtani clicks early, the Dodgers become the team nobody wants to face. Even if he’s rusty, the pressure’s off; LA’s clinched a bye and can experiment with order, especially since Roberts suggested Mookie Betts may still lead off against lefties.
How does Ohtani’s return shape the Dodgers’ playoff chances?
The Dodgers’ biggest vulnerability recently has been health, not talent. With Ohtani sliding back in, their offense extends and gives Roberts even more matchup flexibility. If you’re considering LA futures, the value likely won’t go any higher once he’s officially back and swinging. It’s now about ironing out final roster calls—does a hot hitting De Paula make the bench, or will the club stick with more experienced pieces?
Roster shuffling and the big October picture
Catcher Alfonzo’s demotion, Andy Pages’ return, the De Paula/Rushing battle—all of these are reminders that LA’s depth is a real asset in the playoffs. The Dodgers were already favored to make noise in October, but Ohtani’s comeback supercharges their ceiling. Nobody gets five “practice” games when the outcome doesn’t matter, and nobody else has Ohtani’s upside in a must-win spot.
Roberts put it plainly to reporters: “The thought is tomorrow. Unless I hear otherwise, he’ll be in the lineup tomorrow.” That certainty is exactly what Dodgers fans—and savvy bettors—wanted to hear.
Key takeaways for Dodgers fans and bettors
- Ohtani’s healthy enough to play, taking live BP and full workouts pre-return.
- He’ll get five games to shake off rust with zero playoff pressure.
- The rest of the Dodgers lineup is already red-hot – and only gets tougher with him back.
- Roster battles (De Paula vs Rushing) will become clearer by season’s end.
- Expect position shuffling and potentially even a Betts/Ohtani switch atop the lineup vs lefties.
- Dodgers already clinched NL West and are one win from first-round bye – urgency is gone, health is the focus.
- Postseason value on LA could tighten once Ohtani is back in daily lineups.
- LA’s emerging depth means late-season games offer a window into likely October strategies.
More coverage: more MLB headlines, our MLB betting analysis and MLB expert picks.
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