Dodgers assess Shohei Ohtani's potential return as NL playoff race intensifies
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 4:41 PM
Last updated Aug 26, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers, currently in second place in the National League and one game behind the Milwaukee Brewers, are evaluating Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound. Ohtani has been sidelined due to a knee injury that has resulted in a month-long absence from pitching. Following a lubricant shot to manage his condition, he is set to undergo a bullpen session or face live hitters in Atlanta, with a chance to pitch this weekend in Detroit. The timing of his return is crucial as the Dodgers aim for a strong finish in a competitive playoff race.
- •Dodgers are one game behind the Brewers in NL standings.
- •Ohtani has focused on hitting due to a lingering knee injury.
- •Dodgers plan for Ohtani to potentially pitch this weekend.
- •Ohtani received a lubricant shot in his knee to aid recovery.
- •Team is in a tight race for the playoffs with key upcoming games.
- 4:41 PMYahoo Sports — Dodgers make massive Shohei Ohtani announcement amid NL battle with Braves, Brewers
"The Los Angeles Dodgers are right in the midst of trying to claim the NL in the regular season. On Wednesday, a Shohei Ohtani possibility came to life that will help out in a major way down the stretch.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
MLB•Aug 26, 2026, 6:08 PM‘Calling a game is an art’: How the evolution of pitch-calling is changing baseball
MLB•Aug 26, 2026, 6:03 PMYankees, Dodgers viewed as 'frontrunners' for Japanese pitching prospect
MLB•Aug 26, 2026, 5:20 PMFormer Yankees, Mets outfielder opts out of Rays contract
MLB•Aug 26, 2026, 4:52 PMRoki Sasaki looks to continue his second half success
MLB•Aug 26, 2026, 4:39 PMWho is Kinley Rasmus, Little League star playing against West Side?
MLB•Aug 26, 2026, 4:28 PMDiamondbacks News