Shohei Ohtani’s right biceps inflammation has him sidelined until at least September 23, making him one of eight players currently on the injured list for the Dodgers in mid-September. This team has been absolutely hammered by injuries year after year, with 28 different players hitting the IL in both 2024 and 2025, and a staggering 34 in 2023. It really feels like this 2026 season is just another chapter in that brutal book.
The Injury Carousel Started Early
It wasn’t just a few bumps and bruises that kicked off the season either. Before the regular season officially kicked off, the Dodgers hit a snag, putting both Evan Phillips and Kiké Hernández on the 60-day injured list. That opened up some roster spots, sure, but it’s never a good sign when key guys are out before opening day. Then, when the real games started, six more Dodgers, including big names like Blake Snell and Tommy Edman, found themselves on the IL. Edman, who underwent right ankle surgery, was out for 73 games, not returning until June 16, and had to play 14 rehab games before he could even suit up again. That’s a serious chunk of the season without a guy who can play both infield and outfield.
The Current State of the Sideline
Right now, the injured list is still a revolving door. Beyond Ohtani, who is out with right biceps inflammation, we’ve got a whole list of guys on the shelf. Roki Sasaki, their pitcher, has a right middle finger blister from August 27. Catcher Dalton Rushing is dealing with right elbow discomfort since September 6. Outfielder Andy Pages fractured his left hand on August 22 and is looking at 4-5 weeks out, which is rough. Pitcher Edgardo Henríquez, out with low back discomfort since September 14, started rehab way back on September 1 and is expected to be ready for the playoffs. Then there’s the long-term crew: Jake Cousins and Gavin Stone, both pitchers, have been out since March 25 with Tommy John surgery and shoulder inflammation respectively, and Ben Casparius has had shoulder inflammation since April 13. All three started rehab in September, so hopefully they’re on the way back.
Key Players Who’ve Battled Back
It hasn’t all been bad news though, as some big names have managed to get back on the field. Mookie Betts missed 32 games with an oblique strain from April 5 to May 11. Tyler Glasnow was out for a whopping 94 games with back spasms, returning on August 25. And Edwin Díaz, who had right elbow surgery on April 20, was out for 86 games, came back July 29, only to hit the IL again on August 18 for 27 more games with neck inflammation, finally returning on September 18. Talk about a tough year. Kiké Hernández also had two stints on the IL himself, first with left elbow surgery for 53 games, then a left oblique strain for 51 games. Brusdar Graterol, who had shoulder surgery on March 25 and then back surgery in May, has been out the entire season, missing 162 games. That’s a full season lost! With guys like Ohtani eyeing a return by September 23 and others rehabbing, the Dodgers are going to be watching that IL list closer than ever. Let’s see how these guys bounce back as the calendar keeps turning.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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