MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani has revealed he is unlikely to return to the mound in 2026, prioritizing his hitting and recovery to ensure the Dodgers' postseason success.
- Shohei Ohtani is unlikely to pitch for the remainder of the 2026 season.
- Focus shifts entirely to hitting to manage left knee and right biceps injuries.
- The decision aims to prevent a 'worst-case scenario' of total unavailability.
- Dodgers aim to optimize Ohtani's health for a potential postseason three-peat.
In a significant blow to fans of the 'two-way' phenomenon, Shohei Ohtani has indicated that he does not expect to pitch again during the 2026 campaign. Speaking through interpreter Will Ireton following a 6-3 victory over the Reds, Ohtani emphasized that his primary objective moving forward is to stabilize his performance at the plate and ensure his physical longevity.
Ohtani's decision comes after a challenging stretch involving lingering injuries to his left knee and right biceps. These ailments have not only hindered his ability to ramp up his pitching program but have also noticeably impacted his hitting efficiency. Since beginning a throwing program on August 8, Ohtani's batting average plummeted to .198 with a .690 OPS, suggesting a direct correlation between the physical strain of pitching preparation and his performance as a hitter.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the Los Angeles Dodgers are playing a strategic game of risk management. By removing the burden of pitching from Ohtani's schedule, the organization is prioritizing the 'impact bat' at the top of their lineup. In a high-stakes race for a World Series three-peat, having a healthy Ohtani as a designated hitter is far more valuable than risking a catastrophic injury that could sideline him entirely.
"The deterioration of Ohtani's hitting metrics during his pitching buildup proves that the physical toll of the two-way role is reaching a critical threshold during injury recovery."
Manager Dave Roberts expressed support for the move, noting that Ohtani has not looked like himself in the batter's box over the last few weeks. Roberts believes that 'taking the pitching off his plate' will provide the mental and physical clarity needed for Ohtani to rediscover his swing before the playoffs begin.
Despite the setback, Ohtani's overall season remains impressive, boasting 30 home runs and a stellar 1.79 ERA across 14 starts. However, the recent setback on August 28 served as a wake-up call, prompting the decision to pause his mound appearances until 2027.
| Metric | Season Overall | Post-Aug 8 (Pitching Build-up) |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average/OPS | .902 OPS | .690 OPS |
| Pitching ERA | 1.79 ERA | N/A (Paused) |
| Role | Two-Way Player | Hitting Only |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Ohtani ever pitch again?
Yes, Ohtani intends to return to pitching in 2027, using this season's struggles as a learning experience to improve his durability.
What injuries are affecting Ohtani?
He is currently managing soreness in his left knee and an issue with his right biceps.
