{
  "id": 9250969,
  "title": "Dodgers' Ohtani set for return Wednesday after IL stint; Roberts says he's 'considerably' better",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/dodgers-ohtani-set-for-return-wednesday-after-il-stint-roberts-says",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-23T02:50:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dodgers-ohtani-set-return-wednesday-025020725.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Wednesday following an injury-related absence. Ohtani, who has been dealing with right biceps inflammation and knee soreness, was placed on the injured list on September 9. Manager Dave Roberts stated that Ohtani is feeling significantly better, grading him an eight or nine out of a possible five. The Dodgers secured their 13th NL West title without Ohtani last week, despite him being in Los Angeles for treatment during a game against Cincinnati. Ohtani, a four-time MVP, will have five games to contribute at-bats before the postseason begins. It is likely that Ohtani will once again lead off the lineup, particularly against right-handed pitching. Manager Roberts has not yet decided on the lineup structure but will weigh Mookie Betts' leadoff value against left-handed pitching.",
  "summary": "Shohei Ohtani is expected to be back in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup on Wednesday after a stint on the injured list. Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani is feeling “considerably” better. “I would say if he was a five, he's probably an eight or a nine right now,” Roberts said Tuesday before the Dodgers faced San Diego.",
  "key_points": [
    "Shohei Ohtani returning to Dodgers on Wednesday after injury",
    "Ohtani graded eight or nine out of five by manager Roberts",
    "Ohtani will have five games before postseason begins"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Ohtani's return strengthens the Dodgers' lineup, particularly with his likely return to the leadoff spot, as they prepare for the postseason with a healthy star player.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Dodgers’ Ohtani set for return Wednesday after IL stint; Roberts says he’s ‘considerably’ better",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/dodgers-ohtani-set-for-return-wednesday-after-il-stint-roberts-says-9252696",
        "published": "2026-09-23T02:51:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}