Ohtani returns to Dodgers lineup as pitching plans are put on hold
Shohei Ohtani is back as the Dodgers’ designated hitter, but manager Dave Roberts says there is no timetable for his return to throwing.
Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup as the leadoff designated hitter against the Cincinnati Reds after missing four games with lingering left-knee, right-biceps and neck soreness.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the club had “put a pin in throwing” as it manages Ohtani’s recovery. The team is focusing on his hitting, running and maintaining his legs, with no timetable for him to resume throwing.
Roberts said a return to pitching had not been ruled out, but described it as a possibility without a defined schedule. Ohtani has not pitched since 3 July and last threw a bullpen session on 28 August.
The Dodgers won all four games during Ohtani’s absence, including a sweep of the Washington Nationals. Tommy Edman filled the leadoff role and went 7-for-17 before moving to second base and batting third against Cincinnati.
Ohtani is hitting .279 with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs this season. Since the All-Star break, he is batting .250 with eight home runs and 22 RBIs in 41 games.
Roberts said Ohtani was happy to return and comfortable with pitching plans being set aside for now. He also said Ohtani’s position at the top of the batting order was not necessarily permanent.
