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Shohei Ohtani will focus on hitting for remainder of 2026 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 6:00 AM

Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Shohei Ohtani will focus on hitting for remainder of 2026 season

Summary

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani announced he will not return to the mound for the remainder of the 2026 MLB season. The decision ends speculation regarding his two-way status as he manages lingering issues including chronic inflammation in his left knee, alongside prior bicep and hip concerns. Ohtani has not pitched for over two months and will now dedicate his efforts solely to the batting order. The move aligns with the team's objective of maintaining his health for the postseason as the franchise pursues a third consecutive World Series title. While the shift confirms he will not participate as a pitcher in the current campaign, the club recently bolstered its rotation with the acquisition of Tarik Skubal. Ohtani currently holds a.279 batting average with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Shohei Ohtani confirmed he will focus exclusively on hitting for the rest of the 2026 season.
•The decision follows over two months of inactivity on the mound due to left knee inflammation.
•Los Angeles Dodgers management aims to keep the star outfielder healthy for the upcoming playoffs.
•The team recently acquired Tarik Skubal to reinforce the starting pitching rotation.

Latest Updates

6:00 AMYahoo Sports — ‘I’m gonna be’ – Shohei Ohtani announces his decision for remainder of MLB season

What they're saying

"
Shohei Ohtani has made a decision about his two-way status for the remainder of the 2026 MLB season, putting an end to all the speculation. Shohei Ohtani’s Cy Young campaign ended much earlier in the season than many expected.
— Yahoo Sports

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Los Angeles Dodgers New York Yankees MLB Baseball