Shohei Ohtani Returns to Dodgers Lineup as Hitter, Will Not Pitch Rest of Season
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup as the designated hitter after a four-day break for soreness, but it was announced he will not pitch again this season to focus on hitting.
Philadelphia, PA, September 8, 2026 —
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was back in the team’s lineup on [Date of Return – not provided in summary] as the designated hitter. This marks his return to play following a four-day break taken due to soreness.
However, a significant announcement accompanied his return to hitting: Ohtani has been officially shut down from pitching for the remainder of the current season. The decision was made to allow him to concentrate fully on his hitting performance.
The specifics of the soreness that led to his break were not detailed in the provided information. The duration of the planned break was four days, after which he resumed his role as designated hitter. The team’s decision to have him forgo pitching for the rest of the season indicates a strategic shift focused on his offensive capabilities. Details regarding the exact timeline of this decision or any potential implications for his future pitching status were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by BETH HARRIS on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.
