Shohei Ohtani received an encouraging health update before the Los Angeles Dodgers open their National League Division Series on Saturday. Dodgers hitting coach Aaron Bates said Ohtani is physically ready for the postseason after dealing with injuries late in the regular season.
The update comes after Ohtani spent 15 days on the injured list with right biceps discomfort and left knee issues. Los Angeles activated him on Sept. 23, and he played in the Dodgers’ final five regular-season games.
Ohtani went 5-for-21 with eight strikeouts and one walk during those five games. The Dodgers, however, have maintained that his health was the priority as he worked his way back into the lineup ahead of October.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Bates said Ohtani is “fine physically entering the NLDS and has absolutely no concerns.” The report gives Los Angeles another reason for confidence as it prepares for its postseason opener.
Ohtani finished the regular season with a .275 batting average, 30 home runs, 81 RBIs and a .377 on-base percentage in 135 games. He also made 14 starts on the mound, going 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts over 85 2/3 innings.
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Ohtani’s pitching workload was shut down for the remainder of the season as the Dodgers prioritized his ability to contribute offensively. He last pitched on July 3 and said in September that he expected to focus on hitting rather than return to the mound in 2026.
The Dodgers finished the regular season 100-62 and won the NL West, earning a first-round bye. They will begin the NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, with Ohtani expected to be an important part of the lineup as Los Angeles begins its postseason run.
