Dave Roberts offers concerning update on Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Dave Roberts offers concerning update on Shohei Ohtani

By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Sep 3, 2026 8:07 AM ET

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing more concerns regarding superstar Shohei Ohtani.

On Wednesday, Ohtani went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in an odd game for the reigning National League MVP.

Ohtani now has just five hits in his last 10 games, with zero RBI and only one extra-base hit during that span.

Following the Dodgers' 8-6 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, Dave Roberts said that Ohtani's struggles on Wednesday were the "tip of the iceberg."

Dave Roberts said he noticed Shohei Ohtani looking off physically tonight. Called it “the tip of the iceberg” with what he’s seen out of Ohtani lately. Said he expects to talk to Ohtani tomorrow about how he’s feeling, but Roberts downplayed the idea of an IL stint for Ohtani.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 3, 2026

Roberts then said a rest day could be in store, and it was clear that something was off.

“I saw the same thing that everyone saw," Roberts said, via Katie Woo of The Athletic. "Clearly the swings aren’t who he is.”

Will Shohei Ohtani pitch again this season?

Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 due to knee and biceps issues.

On Wednesday, Roberts added that there is a scenario where Ohtani doesn't pitch again this season.

Dave Roberts said the possibility of shutting down Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher for the season is on the table, but the Dodgers aren’t to the point yet where they have to or will make that decision.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 2, 2026

If so, that would be a tough blow, especially since he has an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts. However, the Dodgers would want Ohtani's bat at full strength for a playoff run.

The Dodgers have lost three of their last four games, and they sure hope Ohtani can turn things around soon.

Matt Wadleigh

Matt Wadleigh is based in California and born and raised in the San Diego area. He studied print journalism at Fresno State for college and got to watch Paul George, Derek Carr and Davante Adams play in a Bulldogs uniform. His work has been featured at ClutchPoints, Sportscasting, Sporting News, and various USA Today sites, including UCLA Wire, where he was the first managing editor

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