Shohei Ohtani's potential Sunday return could make Dodgers' rotation even scarier

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Shohei Ohtani's potential Sunday return could make Dodgers' rotation even scarier

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Aug 26, 2026 1:57 PM ET

Add us as a preferred source on Google

The Los Angeles Dodgers have received a positive update regarding Shohei Ohtani, who could return to the mound on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

Getting back a key part of their rotation will be huge, not only for the remainder of the regular season but also the postseason. Ohtani has been sidelined from pitching since July with a knee and biceps injury, but prior to landing on the shelf he was boasting an 8-2 record with a stellar 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts across 14 starts.

Ohtani's return will enhance a Dodgers' rotation that already includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell.

Snell's return from the injury list also has provided the Dodgers with a significant boost, as he has a 1.00 ERA across three starts.

Shohei returning to the mound on Sunday is a “possibility”, per @jonmorosi pic.twitter.com/VA7KRtKjy7
— SleeperMLB (@SleeperMLB) August 26, 2026

Shohei Ohtani's potential return to the mound comes during pivotal stretch for Dodgers

Ohtani was expected to either perform in a bullpen session or face live hitters in Atlanta on Wednesday and how he feels after that will dictate whether he will return to the mound on Sunday.

Ohtani last pitched for the Dodgers on July 3 and if he makes his return to the mound at Comerica Park, history may have a way of repeating itself. Back on July 27, 2023, Ohtani put up a dominant pitching performance with a shutout in game one of a doubleheader, then hit two home runs in game two.

The Dodgers getting their two-way player back will be a massive win as it provides roster flexibility for manager Dave Roberts. The Dodgers can have a six-man rotation while also easing pressure off the bullpen. With September rosters expanding, this provides the Dodgers with enhanced pitching depth.

The Dodgers' plan is to gradually ease Ohtani back into the rotation by having him pitch an inning at a time or serving as a multi-inning opener.

In addition, his return to the mound will also play a large role in his battle for NL MVP against Pete Crow-Armstrong, who is making a compelling case for the award.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

More must-reads: