Shohei Ohtani Lands on Injured List

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a major decision with the postseason approaching, placing superstar Shohei Ohtani on the injured list as he continues to deal with multiple lingering injuries.

Ohtani has been battling discomfort in his left knee and right biceps, forcing him to miss six of the Dodgers’ last seven games. After returning to the lineup Monday against the Cincinnati Reds, Ohtani went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk. The Dodgers ultimately decided that more time away from game action was necessary.

Dodgers Put Ohtani on the IL

This marks the first time Ohtani has been placed on the injured list since joining the Dodgers in 2024.

The decision comes at an important point in the season. Los Angeles is focused on making another deep postseason run, and the team believes getting Ohtani healthy now is more important than having him continue playing through his injuries.

Ohtani will remain in Los Angeles while the Dodgers begin their upcoming road trip. He is expected to go through conditioning work but will initially be shut down from swinging before gradually beginning baseball activities again.

The Dodgers can backdate the IL stint, potentially making Ohtani eligible to return on September 23.

His 2026 Season Has Been Incredible

Despite the recent health problems, Ohtani has once again put together an impressive season.

At the plate, he is hitting .277 with 30 home runs and an impressive .902 OPS. On the mound, he went 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts across 14 starts before the Dodgers shut down his pitching activity.

Ohtani has already said he most likely will not pitch again this season, meaning his focus will now be entirely on recovering and preparing to contribute as a hitter.

The Dodgers Need Him Healthy for October

The Dodgers have built enough depth to survive Ohtani’s absence for a short period, but there is no question that his return will be extremely important.

Los Angeles currently sits among the National League’s top teams and has designs on another World Series run. The organization is clearly thinking beyond September and wants Ohtani at his best when the postseason begins.

For Ohtani, the goal is simple: get healthy, regain his rhythm and return ready for October baseball.

The Dodgers are taking a major gamble by losing their biggest superstar for at least 15 days, but if it means having a healthy Ohtani when the postseason arrives, it could ultimately be the right decision.