Shohei Ohtani Injury Update Reveals Dodgers Star's Timeline to Return Ahead of 2026 MLB Playoffs

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the team's lineup during a matchup with the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

"Unless I hear otherwise, he'll be in the lineup tomorrow," Roberts said Tuesday, per ESPN's Alden González.

The Dodgers initially placed Ohtani on the injured list due to knee and biceps issues on Sept. 11.

Roberts revealed that the four-time MVP was feeling "considerably" better on Tuesday compared to his first day on the IL, per González.

"If he was a five, he'd probably be an eight or a nine right now," Roberts explained.

Los Angeles is currently preparing for the postseason after recently clinching the National League West title.

While the Dodgers are attempting to win the World Series for the third consecutive season and sit just two games back from the No. 1 seed in the National League with a 96-60 record, Ohtani has dealt with health issues throughout the year.

The two-way star experienced left knee inflammation earlier this season, as his last start as a pitcher came on July 3. The knee injury also prevented him from appearing in the 2026 All-Star Game.

Ohtani was still a productive piece of the Dodgers' batting order despite being unable to pitch, although health woes eventually started to impact his overall availability.

He missed six of Los Angeles' seven games from Sept. 3 through Sept. 9 before his IL stint began.

The Dodgers will now hope that Ohtani can return and begin looking like his former self before the playoffs start, as they have six games remaining in the regular season.

The 32-year-old has appeared in 130 contests this year, slashing .277/.380/.522 while racking up 25 doubles, 30 home runs and 80 RBI.

Ohtani has also made 14 starts on the mound, compiling an 8-2 record and posting a 1.79 ERA. He's amassed 95 strikeouts compared to 26 walks in 85.2 innings of work.

Now, Ohtani is slated to return against the Padres on Wednesday at 10:10 p.m. ET.