LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates a 14-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds next to Dalton Rushing at Dodger Stadium on September 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without their superstar slugger Shohei Ohtani over the past week, as he had to be placed on the Injured List due to several lingering injuries.
However, during the Dodgers’ current series with the Cincinnati Reds, LA was dealt a positive development in Shohei Ohtani’s recovery.
If LA wins over the Reds on Thursday afternoon, it will clinch the NL West for the 13th time in the past 14 seasons.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 7: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers approaches the plate in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on September 7, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers reporter Jack Harris revealed the latest round of team injury updates, and it was a shock to see Ohtani’s name mentioned.
Dodgers roster updates from Dave Roberts: — Edwin Díaz will be active tomorrow. Had a more encouraging outing in OKC yesterday — Andy Pages is “very likely” to be activated on upcoming homestand — “Shohei Ohtani is progressing to coach pitch. Reg season return remains possible”
Ohtani would be eligible to return from the IL with just a few games left in the season.
It could be a smart move to try and give Ohtani a few at-bats before October rolls along, when the Dodgers will try to claim their third consecutive Fall Classic victory.
Even Dodgers GM Andrew Friedman weighed in on Shohei Ohtani’s injury status. This is per Bill Plunkett of the OC Register.
“Andrew Friedman said Shohei Ohtani is “progressing well” since starting to swing a bat earlier this week. Ohtani will be eligible to come off IL on Wednesday. Friedman: “I expect him back in the regular season.” How many ABs? Friedman shrugged”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 7: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after fouling a ball off his foot during the seventh against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on September 7, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Shohei Ohtani returning before the MLB playoffs begin will be a large topic of conversation among Dodgers fans in the next week or so.
Considering they’ve already locked up the NL West and clinching the No. 2 seed could be on the horizon as well, it might be wise to just allow Ohtani to take the extra few days off.
However, the flip to that argument is it might benefit the Dodgers/Ohtani if he is to see some softer pitching before the playoffs.
TJ French covers the MLB for Heavy. TJ is a graduate of the University of Georgia. He has 2+ years of writing experience.
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Los Angeles Dodgers Receive Shohei Ohtani Injury Update During Reds Series
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without their superstar slugger Shohei Ohtani over the past week, as he had to be placed on the Injured List due to several lingering injuries. However, during the Dodgers’ current series with the Cincinnati Reds, LA was dealt a positive development in Shohei Ohtani’s recovery. If LA wins over […]
Los Angeles Dodgers Receive Shohei Ohtani Injury Update During Reds Series