# Ohtani's return timeline remains uncertain

> The Dodgers hope their superstar will play before the season ends, but injuries have sidelined him with limited time to ramp up.
- Title: Ohtani's return timeline remains uncertain | Shortify
- Summary: The Dodgers hope their superstar will play before the season ends, but injuries have sidelined him with limited time to ramp up. Ohtani won't be eligible to…
- Keywords: shohei ohtani, los angeles dodgers, injury recovery, biceps inflammation, knee injury, regular season, postseason preparation, dave roberts, designated hitter, sports, Ohtani's, return
- Source: Los Angeles Dodgers On SI — https://si.com/mlb/dodgers/onsi/dodgers-uncertain-shohei-ohtani-return-regular-season
- Published: 2026-09-16T01:10:24+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: shohei ohtani, los angeles dodgers, injury recovery, biceps inflammation, knee injury, regular season, postseason preparation, dave roberts, designated hitter, sports
## Ohtani's return date still unclear
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday he's hopeful Ohtani returns before September 27, but couldn't commit to it. Roberts expects him to play some regular-season games, though he doesn't know how many.

> Whether it happens or not is to be determined, but I do expect him to be back to play in some regular-season games.
## Two injuries keeping him sidelined
Ohtani is on the 15-day injured list with right biceps inflammation and a left knee injury. He's been shut down from pitching for the rest of the 2026 season.
## First step in recovery process
Ohtani began his swinging progression on Tuesday, hitting off a tee for the first time. Roberts said there will be consistent buildup but didn't know when he'd be cleared to play.

> I don't know what's in store for Wednesday, but I know that there's going to be a consistent buildup.
## September 23 is earliest return
Ohtani won't be eligible to return until September 23. If he does return that day, he'd have only five games to ramp up before the postseason begins.
## De Paula filling the DH role
Top prospect Josue De Paula has been slotting in at designated hitter since Ohtani landed on the injured list. He's been the team's stopgap solution at the position.
## Career-low offensive numbers
Ohtani is batting .277 with a .902 OPS in 502 at-bats. He has 30 home runs and 80 RBIs in 130 games, on pace to miss 50 home runs and 100 RBIs for the first time as a Dodger.
## Pitching season cut short
Ohtani last pitched on July 3 and was shut down before injuries worsened. In 14 appearances, he posted an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 85.2 innings.
## Postseason timeline depends on seeding
If the Dodgers clinch a first-round bye, they'll begin the National League Division Series on October 3. If they don't, they'll start the wild-card round on September 29.
## Regular season games now a luxury
Ohtani's focus is on getting healthy for the postseason. A few regular-season games would help him ramp up, but at this point it could be more of a luxury than a necessity.
## Key takeaway

Ohtani won't be eligible to return until September 23, leaving only five games before the postseason begins, and it's unclear if he'll even make that deadline.