Shohei Ohtani could be back in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup as early as Wednesday, giving a massive boost to a team eyeing a historic three-peat. This isn’t just any return, either. Manager Dave Roberts spoke to reporters Sunday and dropped the encouraging update, making it clear Ohtani is expected to play every game down the stretch once he’s activated.
The Bat Is Back, But The Arm Stays Home
Roberts believes it’s super important for Ohtani to get as many at-bats as possible once he gets back on the field. Think about it: this guy’s offensive numbers through 130 games are already elite, with a .277 batting average, 30 home runs, 80 RBIs, and a ridiculous .902 OPS. Pure fire, right? The plan is still to maximize his impact at the plate, which is wild because he won’t be returning to the mound this season, or even during the playoffs. He’s focusing exclusively on hitting, and honestly, who can blame them with those bat skills?
Historic Stakes For The Boys In Blue
The Dodgers are already holding firm control of the National League West. They’re sitting pretty with a 95-60 record, rocking a nine-game lead in first place. Adding Ohtani’s bat back into that lineup for the final stretch? That’s a huge shot in the arm as they head into the postseason. His last game was way back on September 7, so getting him back for this Padres series on Wednesday is big. This isn’t just about winning games, it’s about pushing for a historic three-peat, and having Ohtani’s power back in the mix makes them even scarier.
So, mark your calendars for Wednesday. Ohtani’s return against the San Diego Padres isn’t just a blip on the radar; it’s a statement. The Dodgers are loading up, and with Ohtani expected to play every game from here on out, that historic three-peat looks even more within reach. Get ready, baseball world, the show just got its biggest star back.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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