Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggests Shohei Ohtani will not pitch this season
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 5:26 AM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that Shohei Ohtani is unlikely to return to the mound for the remainder of the 2026 season. Ohtani has not pitched in a Major League Baseball game for more than two months as he continues to focus on his hitting duties. Roberts downplayed the possibility of a return to the pitching rotation before the end of the regular season or the postseason. The two-way player is expected to maintain his role as the designated hitter for the team moving forward. This update confirms that the organization intends to keep Ohtani limited to his offensive contributions as the club advances toward the playoffs.
- •Dave Roberts stated Shohei Ohtani likely will not pitch again in 2026.
- •Ohtani has not appeared on the mound in over two months.
- •The team plans to utilize Ohtani exclusively as a designated hitter.
- •The restriction applies to both the remainder of the regular season and the postseason.
- 5:26 AMYahoo Sports — Shohei Ohtani 'focusing on hitting,' unlikely to pitch again in 2026
- 3:16 AMMLB Trade Rumors — Shohei Ohtani Not Likely To Pitch Again In 2026 - MLB Trade Rumors
"Shohei Ohtani returned to the Dodgers lineup after a four-day absence, but the two-way star admitted that he most likely will not pitch again in 2026.
"The two-way star will probably be sticking to his DH role throughout the rest of the regular season and postseason.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 5:26 AMShohei Ohtani 'focusing on hitting,' unlikely to pitch again in 2026
Shohei Ohtani returned to the Dodgers lineup after a four-day absence, but the two-way star admitted that he most likely will not pitch again in 2026.
- MLB Trade RumorsSep 7, 2026, 3:16 AMShohei Ohtani Not Likely To Pitch Again In 2026 - MLB Trade Rumors
The two-way star will probably be sticking to his DH role throughout the rest of the regular season and postseason.
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