Dodgers Face Ohtani's Two-Way Health Crisis

Shohei Ohtani's recent struggles, marked by a noticeable lack of power in his last at-bat on September 3rd, 2026, suggest his ongoing pitching-related discomfort may be affecting his offensive performance. This development presents a significant dilemma for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they approach the postseason, which is less than a month away.

Manager Dave Roberts has stressed the critical importance of Ohtani's offensive contributions, stating that his value at the plate is paramount for the team's championship aspirations. The Dodgers' offense has struggled recently, ranking low in several key metrics since July, making Ohtani's hitting prowess indispensable.

The team is grappling with whether to allow Ohtani to continue pursuing pitching in October, even in a limited capacity, or if the risk to his offensive output is too great. Ohtani has not pitched since July 3rd, 2026, and continues to experience soreness in his left knee and right bicep, impacting his ability to throw off a mound.

This situation complicates the decision-making process, as Ohtani's value on the mound, even for a few innings, is considerable. The team is awaiting further determination on whether his pursuit of pitching is negatively impacting his hitting. His baserunning ability has also seen a decrease since he began ramping up as a pitcher, further complicating the evaluation of his overall role.

Ultimately, the decision on Ohtani's pitching status for October will be a collaborative one, with Ohtani's own feelings about his capabilities playing a significant role. The possibility of him pitching remains an option, but only if it does not compromise his offensive effectiveness.