Ohtani expected back in Dodgers lineup Wednesday
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani is likely to be activated from the injured list for Wednesday's game against the San Diego Padres, giving Los Angeles a boost ahead of the postseason.
Return from injury
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that star player Shohei Ohtani is likely to be activated from the injured list in time for Wednesday's game against the San Diego Padres, according to NBC Sports. The 32-year-old had been sidelined with ongoing biceps and knee issues and served the minimum required stint on the IL.
Plans for the final stretch
Ohtani is expected to play in all five of the Dodgers' remaining regular-season games — first against the Padres, then against the San Francisco Giants. Roberts said the plan is for Ohtani to play every game once he returns, since he needs at-bats to prepare for the postseason. Per the report, Ohtani has been hitting off a Trajekt machine and running the bases without issue over the weekend.
Lineup roles
Ohtani is expected to lead off against right-handed starters, while Mookie Betts will take that role against left-handers — a trend likely to continue into the playoffs. During Ohtani's absence, top prospect Josue De Paula had been handling designated-hitter duties.
Context
The Dodgers are chasing a third consecutive World Series title, making Ohtani's health critical to their postseason chances. NBC Sports also noted that Betts is in strong form, with 10 hits over a recent three-day stretch and his OPS climbing from .738 to .785. In September, Betts has hit .356/.457/.726, one of his best monthly stretches this season. MLB's postseason begins September 29 with the Wild Card round.
