September 15, 2026 • 9:04 PM EDT
Updated 2 minutes ago
Shohei Ohtani just gave Dodgers fans a reason to believe he could suit up again before the postseason. After being sidelined with right biceps inflammation and landing on the 15-day injured list on September 8, Ohtani took swings off a tee this Tuesday in Los Angeles—his first baseball activity since the injury. The big question now is whether he can shake off the rust and help the Dodgers in meaningful games before October hits.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news ahead of the Dodgers’ matchup with the Reds in Ohio. Ohtani’s progress marks a big moment; it’s not only about his recovery but the timing, as the Dodgers have already punched their playoff ticket and are eyeing a deep run. He’ll be eligible to return for the final handful of regular-season games, with only a sliver of time to ramp up for the postseason.
According to Yahoo Sports, the Dodgers hold a commanding nine-game division lead and have clinched a playoff spot, so the biggest concern is Ohtani’s health and finding his rhythm in the batter’s box after battling through a series of injuries.
Ohtani’s recent run of injuries isn’t some new headline if you’ve followed him this year. He’s been limited after a knee issue in July sent him off the mound, and his biceps trouble surfaced soon after. Despite being able to hit as a designated hitter, his numbers clearly suffered—he went hitless with two strikeouts in his last game before the Dodgers placed him on the IL. The rules for two-way players mean he’s got to spend at least 15 days on the shelf before he’s eligible to return, so even if he feels great, there’s a waiting game in play.
Here’s why this update matters for your betting slip: Ohtani gives any lineup a jolt, especially in high-stakes playoff games, where one big swing can tip the scale. Even a handful of regular-season at-bats could help him shake the cobwebs before the pressure ramps up. The Dodgers, with a 91-59 record heading into Tuesday, have the luxury of pacing his return—chasing health, not wins, at this point. If you’re eyeing Dodgers futures or player props, circle that September 23 return date and watch the news closely.
The Key Developments
- Ohtani took on-field swings for the first time since landing on the IL with biceps inflammation.
- Manager Dave Roberts reported that Ohtani “felt good” post-workout.
- Ohtani remains on the 15-day IL, eligible to return September 23 at the earliest.
- He’s not expected to pitch again this season due to earlier knee issues, only hit.
- Dodgers have clinched a playoff spot and now focus on Ohtani’s ramp-up.
- There are only five regular-season games left after Ohtani’s earliest return date.
Why the Timeline Is Tight
With so few games between his first possible return and the start of the playoffs, Ohtani will have minimal time to get game-ready. The Dodgers could ease him in as a designated hitter, a role he’s already been handling. But in playoff baseball, timing and momentum matter. Roberts summed up the team’s cautious optimism, telling the press, “Shohei hit off the tee and felt good, too… today was positive, and hopefully we can just keep building towards that.” He also added, “Whether it happens or not is to be determined, but I do expect him to be back to play in some regular season games. I don’t know how many.” Roberts is striking a balance between hope and realism, knowing that getting Ohtani even a few at-bats before October would be a major boost.
Key Takeaways
- Shohei Ohtani swung a bat for the first time since landing on the IL—monitor his ramp-up closely now.
- The Dodgers are locked into the postseason, so there’s time but not much for Ohtani to prep.
- Due to IL rules for two-way players, Ohtani can’t return before September 23—five games left at that point.
- He’s out as a pitcher for the rest of the year, so all focus is on his hitting and timing.
- Bettors should track news from Dodgers camp daily—his presence in the lineup could swing playoff odds and props.
- Even a short regular-season stint matters: watch how quickly Ohtani looks comfortable at the plate.
- Rosters and prop odds could shift if Ohtani reports further progress, so react quickly as news breaks.
- The club’s playoff spot means no reason to rush—a healthy Ohtani is what they (and you) want most.
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