Shohei Ohtani’s Injury Update Bodes Well for Postseason Availability

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is actively pursuing a return from the injured list, as he will begin hitting off a tee ahead of their upcoming game against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday. The Dodgers avoided placing Ohtani on the injured list for an extra week, instead keeping him out of the last six of seven games due to a series of injuries that plagued him throughout the second half of the season.

Ohtani's season began to suffer after he suffered a knee injury in July, followed by a biceps injury, which eventually led to his placement on the injured list. His knee injury forced him to sit out his last start on July 3, and he has not been able to pitch again in 2026. His performance as a batter this season has been solid, with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs, but he has struggled since August with only seven hits in 54 at-bats and a low .529 OPS.

Ohtani's return is crucial for the Dodgers as they aim to secure a third consecutive World Series title, with a talented roster that can step up in his absence.