Ohtani begins gradual comeback build as Dodgers target late-season return
Shohei Ohtani has taken his first swings since going on the injured list, but his availability before the playoffs remains uncertain.
Shohei Ohtani has resumed hitting as the Los Angeles Dodgers assess whether he can return before the regular season ends.
Ohtani hit off a tee in Los Angeles on Tuesday, his first swings since being placed on the 15-day injured list on 8 September with right biceps inflammation. Yahoo Sports reported that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani felt good after the session.
Roberts said the next stage would involve a consistent, gradual build-up, without setting a firm return date. Hitting off a tee does not clear Ohtani for game action.
Ohtani is eligible to return on 23 September at the earliest, when the Dodgers would have five regular-season games remaining. Roberts said he expects Ohtani to play in some regular-season games, but said the number remains unknown.
The injury situation also includes a knee issue that forced Ohtani to stop pitching in early July. He is not expected to pitch again this season, according to the current report.
The Dodgers had already secured a playoff spot and held a nine-game lead in the NL West entering Tuesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, leaving the club to manage Ohtani’s recovery against a short window for regular-season preparation.
