Dodgers provide encouraging Shohei Ohtani injury update

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Dodgers provide encouraging Shohei Ohtani injury update

By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Sep 17, 2026 5:52 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers made the decision to place superstar Shohei Ohtani on the injured list on Sept. 11.

Ohtani has dealt with several injuries, including knee, biceps and neck issues, so the hope was that he could return by the time the postseason began.

Dodgers president provides update on Shohei Ohtani

On Thursday, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman gave an update on Ohtani and said he is "progressing well."

Friedman also said that he expects Ohtani "back in the regular season," but he didn't say how many at-bats he would have.

#Dodgers Andrew Friedman said Shohei Ohtani is "progressing well" since starting to swing a bat earlier this week. Ohtani will be eligible to come off IL on Wednesday.
Friedman: "I expect him back in the regular season."
How many ABs? Friedman shrugged
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) September 17, 2026

Before landing on the IL, Ohtani had missed six of seven games, and he went just 2-for-21 at the plate in a bit of an uncharacteristic cold stretch.

Ohtani hasn't hit a home run since Aug. 18, and that came at Coors Field, so it's been an odd stretch for the reigning National League MVP.

The silver lining for the Dodgers is that it certainly seems that Ohtani could be activated off the IL by Wednesday. On the other hand, the Dodgers clinched the National League West, and the only thing left to play for is first place in the NL, as they trail the Milwaukee Brewers by two games.

If all goes well, Ohtani could return on Wednesday, which would be the second game of the series in L.A. against the San Diego Padres.

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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