The Los Angeles Dodgers already know they will be playing baseball in October. The bigger question is whether Shohei Ohtani will be completely ready when the postseason begins.
Los Angeles received an encouraging answer Tuesday when Ohtani took his first swings since landing on the injured list. The Dodgers superstar hit off a tee in Los Angeles and reportedly felt good afterward, giving manager Dave Roberts and the organization another positive sign as Ohtani works his way back.
There still isn’t an exact return date, and the calendar isn’t giving the Dodgers much room for error. Ohtani cannot return until late September, leaving him only a handful of regular-season games to get comfortable before the playoffs.
But after weeks of injury concerns involving arguably baseball’s biggest star, any forward progress qualifies as important news.
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Dodgers Receive Encouraging Shohei Ohtani Update
Roberts confirmed before Tuesday’s game that Ohtani had taken swings off a tee.
“Shohei hit off the tee and felt good, too,” Roberts said.
Roberts added that the Dodgers will continue building Ohtani’s workload gradually.
“Today was positive,” Roberts said.
Ohtani was placed on the 15-day injured list earlier in September while dealing with right biceps inflammation. He has also battled knee and neck issues during the season.
The two-way star is not expected to pitch again this season, making his offensive availability even more important for Los Angeles.
Another Strong Season
Ohtani entered the injured-list stint batting .277 with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs in 130 games.
The Dodgers have already clinched a postseason spot, which should allow the organization to remain cautious instead of rushing its superstar back.
Ohtani is eligible to return Sept. 23.
At that point, Los Angeles will have only five regular-season games remaining.
Roberts nevertheless said he expects Ohtani to appear before the playoffs.
“Whether it happens or not is to be determined, but I do expect him to be back to play in some regular season games,” Roberts said.
The manager added that he does not yet know how many games Ohtani might play. That creates a fascinating final stretch for Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Seeking Back-to-Back-to-Back
The Dodgers don’t necessarily need Ohtani back to qualify for October. That part has already been accomplished.
They need him back because their championship hopes become significantly more dangerous when the most unique offensive player in baseball is standing in the middle of their lineup.
Tuesday’s swings were only one step. But they were an important one.
