It's looking more and more like Shohei Ohtani has thrown his last pitch of 2026.
While he's returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup after a four-game absence Monday against the Cincinnati Reds, manager Dave Roberts revealed pregame that Ohtani is not currently throwing.
"We have no timetable for when he's gonna pick up a baseball," Roberts told reporters, per SportsNet LA.
The skipper added, "We've put a pin in throwing and (are) just kind of having him focus on the hitting, the running - getting, keeping his legs good - and doing whatever it takes to help us win."
Asked why the team hasn't just stated that Ohtani's pitching season is over, Roberts replied: "I'm choosing not to say it's dead."
Ohtani's remarkable two-way season has been slowed on both sides of the ball due to injuries. The four-time MVP hasn't made a start since July 1 due to lingering knee and bicep issues. Although those injuries didn't keep him out of the lineup, Ohtani's been in a massive rut offensively. Since Aug. 18, he's slashing .137/.290/.255 with one homer and 20 strikeouts in 62 plate appearances.
The 32-year-old recorded a golden sombrero during his most recent game last Wednesday while dealing with neck and bicep pain. Ohtani sat out the Dodgers' last four games amid fears that he'd require an IL stint but re-entered the lineup Monday in his customary leadoff spot. Roberts said that's partly because "Shohei's saying he's feeling better."
Roberts expressed optimism that the combination of rest over the weekend and not having to think about taking the ball can help Ohtani unlock the bat that powers L.A.'s lineup. If that requires baseball's unicorn to give up one half of his duties to help the team win, Roberts said that's the price that must be paid.
"I think it's more of what's best for the team, No. 1, and 1-A, what's best for him," Roberts said. "And so, yes, he loves pitching, (he) loves being a two-way player, but right now, it just doesn't make any sense."
