{
  "id": 9252696,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T02:51:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/baseball/2026/09/22/dodgers-ohtani-set-for-return-wednesday-after-il-stint-roberts-says-hes-considerably-better"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the team's lineup on Wednesday after being sidelined due to an injured list stint. Ohtani, a two-way superstar, has been battling right biceps inflammation and lingering soreness in his left knee since September 9. Manager Dave Roberts expressed that Ohtani's condition has improved significantly, stating he is now feeling \"considerably\" better, likely a rating of eight or nine out of ten. The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their 13th NL West title without Ohtani, and now the four-time MVP will have five games to prepare for the postseason. Ohtani is expected to resume his role as the leadoff hitter, especially against right-handed pitching. Currently, Mookie Betts is atop the lineup, batting a strong .373 this month. Roberts has not yet decided on the exact lineup structure, considering both Betts' leadoff value against left-handed pitching and Ohtani's potential role.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Shohei Ohtani returns to Dodgers lineup on Wednesday.",
    "Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani is \"considerably\" better.",
    "Ohtani set to resume leadoff hitting role."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The return of Ohtani bolsters the Dodgers' lineup, with manager Roberts indicating his considerable improvement suggests a strong reintegration into his role, potentially displacing Mookie Betts from the leadoff spot.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-23T02:50:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}