Dodgers Target September 23 for Ohtani's Return — No More Pitching Planned This Season

Article

A specific target date

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the team is targeting September 23, 2026, for Shohei Ohtani's return from the injured list. Ohtani was placed on the 15-day IL on September 11 due to right biceps inflammation, after playing through nagging biceps, knee, and neck issues.

Because he is on the IL as a two-way player rather than a standard position player, the 15-day minimum applies, setting September 23 as the earliest possible activation date.

No more pitching this season

Roberts also said Ohtani is not expected to pitch again in 2026, with the team's focus shifting entirely to preparing him to return as a hitter. Roberts indicated Ohtani would likely be shut down for two to three days to let the injury settle before beginning his ramp-up toward the September 23 target.

What To Know

This resolves the two questions fans have had since the IL announcement — a specific target date, and a clear answer on whether he'll pitch again this year — replacing uncertainty with a concrete plan.

A two-way player's IL rules differ from a standard position player's — Ohtani's placement automatically requires the longer 15-day minimum rather than the 10-day minimum, which is why his return date is fixed as far out as it is.

What Fans Are Saying

Original Japanese

Easy Japanese

大谷翔平選手が、9月23日ごろのチーム復帰を目指していることがわかりました。今シーズンはもう投げない見通しです。