RADIO
Shohei Ohtani Expected to Pitch Again This Year, Biceps Issue Downplayed
Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman expects two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (biceps, knee) to pitch again in 2026, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. The Dodgers' concern is Ohtani overcompensating while his balky left knee heals, which is why the organization isn't rushing the four-time MVP back while the team has a big lead in the National League West. Friedman also downplayed Ohtani's biceps soreness. "If it weren't for the knee, he would be pitching right now," Friedman said. The 32-year-old Japanese superstar continues to serve as the team's regular designated hitter, but he has not made a start on the mound since July 3. The good news is that the six-time All-Star has been throwing plyo balls and is expected to play catch with a real baseball soon. Unfortunately for fantasy managers who have Ohtani the pitcher rostered, he might not rejoin the Dodgers' starting rotation until late August or early September. Ohtani has been excellent in his 14 starts (85 2/3 frames), going 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA (2.62 FIP), 0.95 WHIP, and 95:26 K:BB.
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Shohei Ohtani Also Dealing With Lingering Biceps Injury
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani's right biceps continues to linger as an issue, in addition to his left-knee injury that has kept him from starting on the mound since July 3, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. His biceps issue is a factor as to why he has not thrown another bullpen session since last week. Ohtani continues to serve as the Dodgers' designated hitter on offense, but it's unclear when he'll be cleared to make another start as a pitcher. The Dodgers are in no rush to bring him back to their starting rotation thanks to their big lead in the National League West, so fantasy managers need to prepare for the possibility that the four-time MVP doesn't pitch again until sometime in September. Remember, L.A.'s primary goal is to have Ohtani clicking on all cylinders as a two-way player for another playoff run in October. The 32-year-old Japanese All-Star went 3-for-4 at the plate with a homer, double, and three RBI in the team's loss to the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, snapping a nine-game homerless streak. Ohtani is still a must-start as a DH despite not being 100% physically.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Shohei Ohtani Serving as DH After Having Knee Drained
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) had his bothersome left knee drained earlier this week, but he will serve as the designated hitter and bat leadoff for the Dodgers for Friday's series opener in New York against Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole, according to MLB.com. The Dodgers are playing it safe with Ohtani on the mound and skipped his final start before the All-Star break as a precaution, but he will be good to go to continue DH-ing for L.A. to start the second half of the season. The Dodgers aren't very concerned, so fantasy managers shouldn't be either. Although Ohtani is hitting just .200 in 20 career at-bats against Cole, he does have a home run and three RBI against him. The four-time MVP is a must-start in all fantasy lineups when he's active in the Dodgers' starting lineup. The six-time All-Star enters the second half of the 2026 season with a cool .293/.403/.549 slash line with a .953 OPS, 22 home runs, 58 RBI, 65 runs scored, and six stolen bases across 88 games. The numbers aren't as gaudy as we've become accustomed to from Ohtani over the last few years, but he's still a must-start in fantasy.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Shohei Ohtani has his Knee Drained on Sunday
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) was set to have his bothersome left knee drained on Sunday evening, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The Dodgers scratched Ohtani from his scheduled start on the mound in Friday's series opener against the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks, but the 32-year-old four-time MVP served as the designated hitter all weekend and even clubbed his 22nd home run of the year in Sunday's loss. The Dodgers are having Ohtani get his knee taken care of during the All-Star break, and unfortunately, we won't get to see the unicorn play in the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday. The good news for fantasy managers is that Ohtani is expected to be ready to rejoin L.A.'s starting rotation for the start of the second half this weekend. The six-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger winner isn't running as much, but otherwise, he's been a beast offensively, slashing .293/.403/.549 with a .953 OPS, 22 home runs, 58 RBI, and 65 runs scored in 335 at-bats. As a pitcher, he's in the National League MVP conversation with an 8-2 record, 1.79 ERA (2.61 FIP), and 0.95 WHIP with 95 strikeouts and 26 walks in 14 starts over 85 2/3 innings.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Shohei Ohtani Won't Pitch on Friday Due to Knee Irritation
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) won't make his scheduled start on the mound on Friday night against the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks due to continued irritation in his left knee. However, Ohtani will serve as the designated hitter for the rest of the final weekend of the first half of the season. Following the series against Arizona, he will have some interventions on his knee to put him in the best spot for the second half. Ohtani also will not travel to Philadelphia to participate in next week's All-Star Game. The Dodgers aren't taking any chances with the best all-around player in baseball, with a current 14.5-game lead in the National League West ahead of both the D-backs and San Diego Padres. The Dodgers obviously aren't too concerned, otherwise, they wouldn't allow the four-time MVP to serve as the DH this weekend. It's unclear when Ohtani will make his next start on the mound in the second half, but whenever he does, he'll be a must-start in fantasy lineups. Ohtani has been in the NL Cy Young conversation in the first half of 2026, going 8-2 on the mound with a 1.79 ERA (2.62 FIP) and 0.95 WHIP with 95 strikeouts and 26 walks in 85 2/3 innings across his 14 starts.
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani Back in Dodgers Lineup Against Padres
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (biceps) is serving as the designated hitter and is batting leadoff in Sunday's series finale against the division-rival San Diego Padres and left-hander JP Sears, according to MLB.com. Ohtani was pulled as a precaution from Friday's contest in L.A. against the Pads after he felt something in his biceps muscle late in the game. The Dodgers gave Ohtani the day off in Saturday night's win, and now that he's back in the starting nine, he should be returned to all starting fantasy lineups, even against a southpaw. The 32-year-old four-time MVP has gone 1-for-12 so far in three games in July, but he hit .333 (30-for-90) with eight homers, three doubles, a triple, 19 RBI, and 23 runs scored in 24 games played in June, and he remains a must-start, five-category contributor as a hitter in fantasy leagues. He has hit .258 (25-for-97) with six of his 18 home runs this year against left-handed pitchers, and Ohtani has four hits and an RBI in eight career at-bats against Sears.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Dodgers "Hopeful" Shohei Ohtani Will Return on Sunday
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (biceps) "feels considerably better" on Saturday, manager Dave Roberts told Maddie Lee of MLB.com. Ohtani is out of the starting lineup for the Fourth of July contest in L.A. against the division-rival San Diego Padres on Saturday night, as expected, but the Dodgers will "see how the day goes as far as availability tonight." Roberts said he's "hopeful" that Ohtani will be in the starting lineup for the series finale on Sunday. Ohtani was a little concerned about his right biceps muscle in his last at-bat in Friday's win over SD and was pulled as a precaution. He said it was in the same spot as something he felt a couple of months ago that resolved relatively quickly. Outfielder Andy Pages will serve as the Dodgers' designated hitter on Saturday and hit in the two-hole against Padres left-handed opener Wandy Peralta. The 31-year-old Ohtani should be considered day-to-day for now and looks likely to avoid a trip to the injured list just before the All-Star break. After a slow start at the plate, he quickly turned it around and is currently batting .288/.403/.524 with a .927 OPS, 18 homers, 50 RBI, 60 runs, and six steals in 309 at-bats. Ohtani isn't running as much, but he's still an elite five-category contributor as a hitter in 2026.
Source: MLB.com - Maddie Lee
Source: MLB.com - Maddie Lee
Shohei Ohtani Dealing With Bicep Injury
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (bicep) came out of Friday's game against the division-rival San Diego Padres in the seventh inning because he felt something in his bicep in his last at-bat, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Ohtani called it "precautionary." He was replaced at designated hitter by veteran Miguel Rojas. Ohtani went 0-for-3 at the plate before departing in the team's eventual 4-3 win. On the mound on Friday, the 31-year-old four-time MVP allowed three earned runs on seven hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out nine in six innings for a no-decision. His injury doesn't appear to be very serious, but manager Dave Roberts said that Ohtani will not play in Game 3 of the series against SD on Saturday on the Fourth of July. The Japanese superstar got off to a bit of a slow start at the plate earlier this year, but he quickly turned it around and is now slashing .288/.403/.524 with a .927 OPS, 18 homers, 50 RBI, 60 runs, and six steals in 309 at-bats. On the mound, the four-time All-Star is in the National League Cy Young race, going 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA (2.62 FIP), 0.95 WHIP, and 95:26 K:BB in 85 2/3 innings over 14 starts. Check back on Sunday to see if he's ready to return for the series finale at Dodger Stadium.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Shohei Ohtani Returns From Paternity List
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (personal) is back from the paternity leave list on Saturday. Ohtani was away from the team on Friday, so he could witness the birth of his second child. He'll return on Saturday, batting in the leadoff spot and serving as the designated hitter versus left-hander Trevor Rogers. Over the last week, Ohtani is 2-for-14 with two home runs, two RBI, and five walks. Overall this season, Ohtani is slashing .296/.418/.545 with 15 home runs, 42 RBI, and six steals in 68 games. Fantasy managers can get Ohtani back in their lineups on Saturday.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Shohei Ohtani on Paternity Leave, Out of Friday's Lineup
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is on paternity leave on Friday, which is why he's out of the starting lineup for the series opener against the visiting Baltimore Orioles, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. However, the Dodgers aren't placing him on the official paternity list, at least for the time being. It means that Ohtani could theoretically return on either Saturday or Sunday in the series against Baltimore. It is to be determined how long the four-time MVP will be away from the team for the expected birth of his second child. Fantasy managers will want to remove the 31-year-old Japanese sensation from their lineups on Friday, but he could be right back in there on Saturday. He shouldn't be in danger of missing his next scheduled start on the mound, either. After a slow start at the plate in 2026 by his lofty standards, Ohtani has turned things around quickly and is now batting .296/.418/.545 with a .962 OPS, 15 long balls, 42 RBI, 51 runs scored, and six stolen bases in his 257 at-bats in his third year with the Dodgers. The five-time All-Star is a must-start in all fantasy leagues when he's in the lineup. We'll alert fantasy managers when he returns from paternity leave.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Shohei Ohtani Still Managing Knee Inflammation
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani's left-knee inflammation is not behind him, and manager Dave Roberts told 570 LA Sports' David Vassegh that it will be managed moving forward. Ohtani was held out of a game last week with knee inflammation, but he started the last four games at designated hitter for the Dodgers. The four-time All-Star is making his scheduled start on the mound on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays, but he won't be in the lineup as the DH. It appears to be a day-to-day situation for the Japanese All-Star, with his next chance to return to the batting order coming on Friday against the visiting Baltimore Orioles after a scheduled off day on Thursday. The 31-year-old veteran left-handed slugger hasn't looked compromised at the plate at all lately, going 18-for-49 (.367) with five home runs, three doubles, a triple, 11 RBI, and 14 runs scored in 13 games in June. Ohtani has also gone deep five times in his last nine games. We think he'll be alright, and he's obviously a must-start as both a hitter and pitcher when he's active in fantasy.
Source: 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Source: 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Shohei Ohtani Won't Hit on Wednesday Against Rays
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will start on the mound on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium versus the Tampa Bay Rays, but he won't hit, manager Dave Roberts told Sonja Chen of MLB.com. Ohtani was held out recently with a minor knee injury, and although he has since returned to the lineup as the designated hitter, the Dodgers don't want to overwork the four-time MVP on the day that he pitches. The 31-year-old Japanese sensation looked off at the plate earlier in the 2026 season, but he has since rebounded and is currently slashing a strong .297/.419/.547 with a .966 OPS, 15 home runs, 42 RBI, 51 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 256 at-bats this year. The five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger winner needs to be in all starting lineups anytime he's active as either a hitter or pitcher. Ohtani is in the Cy Young conversation in the National League as a pitcher, too, as he enters his start on Wednesday with a 6-2 record, 1.06 ERA (2.67 FIP), 0.84 WHIP, and 73:21 K:BB in 67 2/3 innings over his 11 starts.
Source: MLB.com - Sonja Chen
Source: MLB.com - Sonja Chen
Shohei Ohtani Returns to Lineup on Saturday After Injury Scare
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (knee) was held out of Friday's lineup against the White Sox due to left-knee inflammation, but he is back in the starting nine ahead of their contest on Saturday. Ohtani experienced discomfort in his left knee and hamstring area following a stolen-base attempt (nullified by a foul ball) and was removed as a precaution. Fortunately, the superstar avoided a major injury and is back at the top of the Dodger lineup serving as the designated hitter. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case the team opts to give him rest days at the dish and potentially modify his short-term pitching schedule. Through 67 games in the batter's box, Ohtani has posted a stellar .305/.421/.543 line with 15 doubles, 13 home runs, and six stolen bases, and remains a must-start option in all formats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
No Structural Damage for Shohei Ohtani
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) is feeling "fine-ish," according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. Ohtani had imaging on his injured knee on Friday, which showed no structural damage. Roberts said that he expects Ohtani back as the designated hitter this weekend in the series against the Chicago White Sox and to make his next pitching start as scheduled on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Dodgers pulled the 31-year-old four-time MVP as a precaution with left-knee inflammation in Thursday's win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Roberts thought that Ohtani would be active for Friday's series opener in Chicago, but the team decided to give him an extra day of rest. All indications are that Ohtani will be fine, so hopefully, fantasy managers can plug him back into their starting lineups on Saturday. The Japanese superstar remains a must-start in fantasy as both a hitter and a pitcher. Ohtani is slashing .305/.421/.543 with a .964 OPS, 13 homers, 40 RBI, 48 runs, and six stolen bases. As a pitcher, he's in the mix in the National League Cy Young picture with a 6-2 record, 1.06 ERA (2.67 FIP), 0.84 WHIP, and 73:21 K:BB in 11 starts (67 2/3 innings).
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Shohei Ohtani Held Out of Friday's Lineup
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (knee) is not in the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the hosting Chicago White Sox, according to MLB.com. Santiago Espinal is serving as the DH and will bat eighth against White Sox left-hander Anthony Kay. The Dodgers pulled Ohtani from Thursday's win over the Pittsburgh Pirates as a precaution due to inflammation in his left knee, but manager Dave Roberts said he was confident that the two-way superstar would be back in the lineup on the South Side of Chicago. Ohtani is considered day-to-day, and his injury isn't serious, so the four-time MVP could be right back in the starting nine for Game 2 of the series in Chicago on Saturday. After a slow start offensively, the 31-year-old left-handed slugger has been more productive with the weather warming up, and he's hitting .305/.421/.543 overall with a .964 OPS, 13 home runs, 40 RBI, 48 runs scored, and six stolen bases in his 243 at-bats in 2026. Check back on Saturday to see if Ohtani is back in action for the Dodgers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
