Shohei Ohtani 'focusing on hitting,' unlikely to pitch again in 2026

In a recent game for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani, the back-to-back National League MVP, did not showcase his usual form. Playing at the top of the batting order, Ohtani went 0-for-3, struck out twice and walked once, as the Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds 6-3. Despite the batting results, manager Dave Roberts expressed satisfaction with Ohtani's swing compared to five days prior.

However, when asked about Ohtani's prospects of returning to pitching, Roberts was less optimistic. Ohtani himself confirmed to reporters postgame that he doesn't anticipate pitching again this season, stating that his primary focus moving forward is on hitting. Ohtani has been sidelined since July 3 due to lingering injuries in his left knee and right bicep.

His rehabilitation was temporarily halted after a postponed bullpen session on July 25, and he resumed training on August 8, but was ultimately sidelined again after a short bullpen session a week later. Ohtani has not thrown a pitch since, and with October looming less than a month away and the Dodgers boasting a healthy rotation, manager Roberts hinted that pitching activity might be limited for Ohtani.

While Roberts did not explicitly state that Ohtani would not pitch again in 2026, the timing of the article suggests that such an outcome is highly probable.