Shohei Ohtani, that absolutely electric two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is basically done pitching for the rest of the 2026 season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts dropped the news Sunday, and honestly, it’s a total gut punch for anyone who was holding out even a sliver of hope. With only three weeks left in the regular season, Roberts made it pretty crystal clear: don’t expect to see Ohtani on the bump again this year.
The Numbers Don’t Lie, And Neither Does Roberts
This ain’t some sudden shocker, though. Ohtani hasn’t pitched for a huge chunk of the latter half of 2026. Think about it: he hasn’t even seen the mound since way back on July 3. He’s been battling through inflammation, soreness, and just kept hitting injury setbacks even after bullpen throwing sessions. That’s rough, man. This past week alone, he actually missed four straight games, which is the first time that’s happened since he first joined the Dodgers back in 2023. Roberts said it himself, “Obviously if you’re looking at the calendar, how much he’s thrown in the last week, I think we can all do the math.” He even shot down the idea of Ohtani just doing an inning as an opener, flat out saying, “I think that’s unlikely.” So yeah, the math definitely checks out, and it stings to hear. The one silver lining? Roberts did say he’s hopeful Ohtani can get back in the batting lineup as soon as Monday. Thank goodness for that at least, right?
Cy Young Dreams Derailed (Again)
Remember how big this year was supposed to be for Ohtani? It was supposed to be *the* year for his comeback. He’s been a crucial piece for the Dodgers, no doubt, helping them snag back-to-back World Series titles the past two seasons. But even during those runs, his pitching role was limited. After undergoing two right elbow operations in 2023, he didn’t even touch the mound for the Dodgers until last June. This 2026 season? It was *the* year. After a rehab-free off-season, he was geared up for a full-time two-way comeback, setting his sights on the Cy Young Award for outstanding pitching. Talk about ambition! But man, those injuries just kept piling up. We’re talking left knee, right biceps, and neck issues. It’s like a cruel twist of fate. And his batting form has even slumped recently as he’s been trying to push through and get back to pitching. It’s a bummer, pure and simple, seeing a generational talent like that get hit with so many setbacks when he’s gunning for greatness.
So, with Ohtani focusing on just hitting for these last three weeks, you gotta wonder what next season looks like. Can he finally shake off these injuries and unleash that full two-way beast we all know he can be? Here’s hoping, because when he’s healthy, he’s absolutely electrifying to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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