Shohei Ohtani to Return to Pitching in 2027 Season
The Los Angeles Dodgers expect Shohei Ohtani to resume pitching duties following an injury-plagued 2026 campaign.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Baseball
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The Los Angeles Dodgers project that Shohei Ohtani will return to the mound for the 2027 season. This follows a difficult 2026 campaign during which Ohtani was sidelined by injuries.
Why it matters
Ohtani's return to the pitching rotation is a key component for the Dodgers as they look to recover from being swept in the 2026 National League Championship Series. His ability to perform as a two-way player remains central to the team's competitive strategy.
Shohei Ohtani recorded a 1.79 ERA over 14 pitching starts in 2026 and posted a .927 OPS as a hitter. He is currently 32 years old.
The players
Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani is a professional baseball player known for his unique dual-role as both a high-level starting pitcher and an elite hitter.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a Major League Baseball team based in Los Angeles that competes in the National League West division.
The details
Ohtani's pitching activity in 2026 was hampered by a knee issue that emerged in mid-June, leading to a lubricant injection after the All-Star break. Although he attempted to resume pitching in mid-August, he was not physically prepared and was ultimately placed on the injured list on September 11, 2026, after hitting his final regular-season home run on August 18.
Timeline
2022: Ohtani last completed a full two-way season.
July 3, 2026: Ohtani made his last pitching appearance.
August 18, 2026: Ohtani hit his final regular-season home run.
September 11, 2026: Ohtani was placed on the injured list.
2027: Ohtani is expected to return to pitching.
Season Trajectory
The return of a healthy Ohtani to the rotation fundamentally alters the Dodgers' outlook for the upcoming season. It shifts the team from a roster reliant on his offensive output to one that restores the two-way competitive balance required for a deep postseason run.
Fantasy managers should factor in Ohtani's projected return to the mound when drafting for the 2027 season. His status as a starting pitcher will significantly impact roster flexibility and rotation depth for the Dodgers.
The takeaway
Ohtani's successful return requires careful monitoring of his physical preparation and injury recovery following his 2026 knee issues. Fans and team management will look for his performance to stabilize as he aims to match the output from his last full two-way season in 2022.
Further reading
For more on roster moves and player availability, visit the Baseball section.
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