# Ohtani returns to Dodgers, but not at leadoff

> The superstar is back after injury, but manager Dave Roberts is taking a cautious approach with his lineup.
- Title: Ohtani returns to Dodgers, but not at leadoff · Mlb | Shortify
- Summary: The superstar is back after injury, but manager Dave Roberts is taking a cautious approach with his lineup. Ohtani is activated and will play the final five…
- Keywords: shohei ohtani, los angeles dodgers, injured list, right biceps injury, left knee injury, dave roberts, mookie betts, postseason preparation, batting order, san diego padres, sports, Ohtani
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-expected-back-in-lineup-sept-23
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: shohei ohtani, los angeles dodgers, injured list, right biceps injury, left knee injury, dave roberts, mookie betts, postseason preparation, batting order, san diego padres, sports
## Ohtani activated after injury
The Dodgers' superstar is back in the lineup after a 15-day stint on the injured list due to right biceps and left knee injuries that flared up in early September.
## Batting second, not leadoff
Ohtani will bat second against left-handed pitchers, with Mookie Betts taking the leadoff spot. Manager Dave Roberts plans to platoon the top of the lineup based on pitcher handedness.

> I think it just makes it tougher to navigate vs. left.
## Hitter only for now
Ohtani will return as a hitter only after his attempt to ramp up as a pitcher in August coincided with his injuries worsening. He has not pitched since going on the injured list.
## Five games to get ready
With five regular season games remaining, Ohtani is expected to play in all of them to build at-bats before the postseason. He took coach batting practice and used a Trajekt machine while on the injured list.
## Dodgers thrived without him
Los Angeles has won 15 of 18 games since Ohtani went on the injured list, showing the team's depth. Ohtani hit .198 with 34 strikeouts in his 24 games before the injury.
## Cautious optimism from management
Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani is considerably better than when he went on the IL, and the player feels as good as he did earlier in the season. The team is focused on keeping him healthy for October.

> I'm not expecting too much. It's been a while since he's played, but it's just good to get him in there.
## Key takeaway

Ohtani is activated and will play the final five regular season games as a hitter only, batting second against left-handed pitchers as the Dodgers prepare for the postseason.