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12h ago

Ohtani Nearing Activation as Dodgers Prepare Hitting-Only Return

Controlled cage work with Trajekt simulated at-bats aims to restore his timing ahead of a compressed pre-playoff window.

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An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) doubles against the San Francisco Giants, Image 2 shows Mookie Betts is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring a run, Image 3 shows Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers warming up before a game
Dodgers Star Shohei Ohtani Could Return To Lineup On Wednesday Against Padres
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs runs to score against the Cincinnati Reds, Image 2 shows Shohei Ohtani (17), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18), and Blake Snell (7) of the Los Angeles Dodgers greeting players after a game, Image 3 shows New York Yankees' Aaron Judge looks on from the dugout

Overview

  • Saturday's on-field base-running and 30–40 simulated swings on the Trajekt Arc show Ohtani has moved from tee work and soft toss to higher-intensity reps in his rehab.
  • The Dodgers backdated his 15-day injured-list stint to Sept. 8 so he is eligible to be activated on Wednesday, and the team has confirmed he will return only as a hitter.
  • If the club activates him Wednesday he would have roughly four to five regular-season games to regain game timing before the postseason begins.
  • Mookie Betts' recent hot streak and Tommy Edman's slump have created a clear lineup decision for manager Dave Roberts if Ohtani returns with limited at-bats.
  • Los Angeles has ended Ohtani's pitching for the year and is relying on Trajekt, coach-pitch and controlled cage work in lieu of a minor-league rehab to protect his health and preserve his bat for October.