Shohei Ohtani Returned to Dodgers Lineup
The designated hitter played Tuesday after missing two weeks with right biceps discomfort.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Baseball
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Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on September 23, 2026, after a two-week absence due to right biceps discomfort. The star designated hitter finished the game one for four with two strikeouts and one walk.
Why it matters
Ohtani's return provides a significant boost to the Dodgers as they prepare for the postseason. Managing his recovery was a priority for the team to ensure his availability for the upcoming playoff run.
Ohtani recorded one hit in four at-bats, including two strikeouts and one walk, in his first game back. Before his injury, the designated hitter held a .277 batting average with 30 home runs.
The players
Shohei Ohtani
He is a multi-talented athlete who plays as a designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Josue De Paula
He is a 21-year-old prospect who was optioned to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets.
Dave Roberts
He is the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers who determines the team's batting order.
Mookie Betts
He is a Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder currently hitting .366 with 26 hits in September.
Tarik Skubal
He is a pitcher who was recently reinstated from the bereavement list.
The details
Ohtani batted second as the designated hitter during his return to the lineup. To make roster space for the transition, the Dodgers optioned 21-year-old Josue De Paula to Triple-A Oklahoma City to participate in the Pacific Coast League playoffs.
Timeline
September 7, 2026: Ohtani last played before his injury.
September 8, 2026: Ohtani was placed on the injured list.
September 23, 2026: Ohtani returned to the Dodgers lineup.
September 24, 2026: Ohtani is scheduled to play in the series finale.
September 25, 2026: Tarik Skubal is scheduled to start at San Francisco.
The Big Picture
The team's decision to send Josue De Paula to Triple-A follows a pattern of managing young players to ensure their availability and postseason roster eligibility under MLB regulations. This move allows prospects to gain essential experience in the Pacific Coast League playoffs while remaining options for the active roster.
Ohtani's return forces a shift in the Dodgers batting order, with Dave Roberts planning to have him lead off against right-handed pitching in future games. Fantasy managers should note his return to the lineup and monitor his status through the final week of the regular season.
The takeaway
The return of a star player like Ohtani late in the season provides a critical lift for team momentum heading into the playoffs. Coaches often use these final regular-season games to test the readiness of key hitters before high-stakes postseason series begin.
What happens next
Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to play in the series finale on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, visit Los Angeles Baseball.
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