Shohei Ohtani takes first swings off tee since going on IL and feels good, Roberts says
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani watches from the dugout during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in Los Angeles. Credit: AP/Mark J. Terrill
CINCINNATI — Shohei Ohtani hit off a tee on Tuesday in Los Angeles and remains on track to return before the end of the regular season, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday.
“Shohei hit off the tee and felt good, too,” Roberts said. “Don’t know what’s in store for tomorrow, but I know that there’s going to be a consistent build-up. Don’t know when the time of return to play is, but today was positive, and hopefully we can just keep building towards that.”
Ohtani has been on the 15-day injured list since Sept. 8 with right biceps inflammation. Tuesday's swings were his first since going on the IL.
The four-time MVP is not traveling with the team, but has been working out and getting treatment.
Roberts hopes Ohtani will play in a few more regular-season games. The Dodgers have already clinched a playoff spot.
“Whether it happens or not is to be determined, but I do expect him to be back to play in some regular season games,” Roberts said. “I don’t know how many.”
The two-time defending World Series champions entered Tuesday night's game at Cincinnati with a magic number of three to clinch their 13th NL West title in 14 years.
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani smiles in the dugout during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Los Angeles. Credit: AP/Mark J. Terrill
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