Shohei Ohtani Unlikely to Pitch Again in 2026

Shohei Ohtani has not pitched in a major league game for over two months, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that Ohtani is unlikely to return to the mound before the end of the 2026 season. This statement came during a press conference where Roberts discussed Ohtani's recent performance and health status.

Ohtani last threw during a bullpen session on August 28, which was intended to precede a game against the Tigers. However, he experienced discomfort in his right knee and soreness in his right biceps, leading to his absence from the Dodgers' lineup for the last four games. Despite this, Roberts mentioned that Ohtani could return to his designated hitter role soon, as he felt well after a recent batting practice.

Ohtani's situation is complicated by his dual role, requiring him to be placed on the 15-day injured list for pitchers instead of the 10-day list for position players. His recent performance at the plate has also declined, hitting .200 with four home runs over his last 109 plate appearances. With the postseason approaching, the Dodgers are prioritizing Ohtani's hitting over his pitching, having previously won the 2024 World Series without his contributions on the mound.