Shohei Ohtani Aims to Return Against the Padres: Dodgers Get Their Star Back Just Before the Playoffs
Por Carlos Rodríguez ·
The Dodgers could get some of the best news possible right before the postseason begins, as Shohei Ohtani is set to return this Wednesday, September 23, against the San Diego Padres, when he will be eligible to come off the 15-day injured list. The Japanese player has been sidelined due to persistent issues with his right biceps and left knee. His placement on the disabled list was backdated to September 8, so Wednesday marks the first date he can be activated.
MLB reported that Ohtani has made good progress in his recovery program and has already taken between 30 and 40 swings off a machine that simulates real pitches. Manager Dave Roberts has expressed optimism about his star player’s return. Ohtani has also been running the bases and gradually increasing his physical activity, although the Dodgers do not necessarily expect him to be 100 percent when he returns. The priority is for him to be in the best possible condition by October.
Ohtani will return only as a hitter
There’s an important point for Hispanic fans who follow the Dodgers in the United States:
Ohtani will not pitch again this season.
His pitching career has been put on hold, and the team expects him to return to the mound in 2027.
For now, all attention will be focused on restoring his offensive impact.
Before being placed on the injured list, Ohtani had hit 30 home runs and posted an OPS of .902.
However, he was going through a rough patch: in his 24 games prior to the break, he batted .198 (19 hits in 96 at-bats) and struck out 34 times.
If he is activated this Wednesday, he will have only five regular-season games to get back into the swing of things against Major League pitchers before the playoffs.
Roberts has indicated that the plan is to give him regular playing time once he returns (Filed under: Shohei Ohtani could return against the Padres).
[pullquote quote=”Ohtani has made favorable progress in his recovery program” cite=”NuevaOnda.com”]
The Dodgers Copped Out Without Ohtani
Los Angeles managed to maintain an excellent performance while its star player was out.
As of Saturday, the Dodgers had played 15 of their last 16 games without Ohtani in the starting lineup and posted a 13-3 record during that span.
His eventual return now represents a hugely important boost for a lineup that is gearing up for October.
Rather than demanding that he perform at his best right away, the Dodgers have five games to help Ohtani regain his form and competitive rhythm before the race for the championship begins (Filed under: Shohei Ohtani could return against the Padres).
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