Dodgers news: LA fans will love latest Shohei Ohtani update ahead of NLDS

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts anticipates Shohei Ohtani to be in better form and less affected by injuries when the 2026 National League Division Series (NLDS) commences on Saturday at Dodger Stadium. MLB.com's Sonja Chen reported that Roberts and general manager Brandon Gomes shared positive updates on Ohtani's condition during a Zoom call with reporters.

The Dodgers have utilized their first-round bye to give the four-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) more time to recover from persistent right biceps and left knee issues, while maintaining his hitting regimen. Roberts expressed confidence that Ohtani will showcase his best performance in the last two months, acknowledging that this is a modest expectation given his injuries.

Ohtani was placed on the 15-day injured list as of September 8 and returned on September 23. Prior to his absence, he had a .198 batting average with 34 strikeouts in 109 plate appearances over 24 games. In his final five regular-season games after returning from the IL, Ohtani hit .188 with a double, one RBI, one walk, and eight strikeouts.

The 32-year-old superstar will continue to take live at-bats this week, with the Dodgers aiming for five to seven before Game 1. Gomes commented that Ohtani is "feeling great physically," and Roberts stated that the training staff reported daily improvements. The Dodgers concluded the regular season with a 100-62 record, securing the NL's second seed.

Ohtani finished the season with a .275 batting average, an .889 OPS, and 30 home runs. The team is still waiting to discover their NLDS opponent, with the winner of the Atlanta Braves-Philadelphia Phillies Wild Card Series set to face the Dodgers. The Dodgers intend to employ Ohtani solely as a hitter after stopping his pitching following his July 3 appearance.

Currently, Los Angeles will continue his timing practice and is confident he will be available for Game 1 on Saturday.