Shohei Ohtani’s Setback Leaves Dodgers With Tyler Glasnow Decision

Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Shohei Ohtani’s Setback Leaves Dodgers With Tyler Glasnow Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Aug 30, 2026 12:20 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers could be facing an important postseason rotation decision after Shohei Ohtani’s latest setback raised more questions about his availability as a pitcher.

Ohtani was scheduled to return to the mound against the Detroit Tigers, but the Dodgers scratched him after he experienced discomfort in his left knee and right bicep following a bullpen session.

That development could leave Tyler Glasnow with a much larger role when October arrives, potentially positioning him as the Dodgers’ Game 4 starter.

The update came from ESPN’s Alden González, who reported Dave Roberts’ comments Sunday. Roberts made clear that the Dodgers were not prepared to send Ohtani to the mound while he was dealing with physical issues.

Shohei Ohtani will not make his start tomorrow.

“If any pitcher was feeling like this, we wouldn’t run him out there,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.

The Dodgers haven’t decided to shut him down as a pitcher. They’re going to see how he feels when he gets back to LA.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) August 29, 2026

The Dodgers have not ruled out Ohtani pitching again this season, but the latest setback complicates his path back to a traditional starting role.

With limited time remaining before the postseason, Los Angeles may not have enough runway to build him back up to the workload required of a playoff starter.

That could open the door for Glasnow, who has impressed in his limited action this season. The right-hander owns a 3-0 record with a 3.02 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 44.2 innings across eight starts.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Dodgers entered Sunday at 81-55, holding a comfortable lead in the National League West as they continued preparing for October.

Their top postseason rotation options appear to include Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tarik Skubal, leaving the fourth spot as one of the remaining questions.

If Ohtani is unable to return to a full starting workload, Glasnow could become the logical choice for Game 4. His experience and ability to miss bats would give Los Angeles another proven arm behind its frontline trio.

For Ohtani, the priority may now shift toward ensuring he remains healthy enough to continue contributing offensively while the Dodgers determine whether a pitching role in October is realistic.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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