Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup Wednesday, but manager Dave Roberts could make a notable change to where the superstar hits.
Ohtani is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list before the Dodgers face the San Diego Padres. Roberts said Ohtani is currently expected to return to the leadoff spot, but the team is considering a matchup-based adjustment.
According to Dodgers beat reporter Bill Plunkett, Roberts said there “could be a case where Ohtani hits first v RH [right-handed pitching] Betts v LH [left-handed pitching].”
The potential change would give the Dodgers another way to use Ohtani and Mookie Betts at the top of the order depending on the opposing starter.
Ohtani has been sidelined since Sept. 10 after dealing with left knee pain and right biceps inflammation. The biceps issue also ended his pitching season, but his focus now shifts back to his role as a hitter.
Before the injury, Ohtani was hitting .277 with 30 home runs, 25 doubles and 80 RBI in 130 games. He also went 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA across 14 starts before being shut down as a pitcher.
Roberts said Ohtani’s physical condition has improved considerably during his time away. The Dodgers now have five regular-season games remaining to get him back into a comfortable routine before the postseason begins.
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Ohtani’s return also affects the rest of the lineup. He is expected to resume his regular designated hitter duties, while Josue De Paula could see his role change after receiving additional opportunities during Ohtani’s absence.
The Dodgers enter Wednesday at 97-60 after shutting out the Padres 7-0 on Tuesday. Los Angeles has already clinched the NL West and is one win away from securing a first-round bye.
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