Dodgers’ Manager Talks Ohtani’s Pitching Future

Los Angeles – When you’ve got a two‑way phenom like Shohei Ohtani on your roster, every roster move feels like a headline. That’s why manager Dave Roberts felt compelled to speak up on Monday, after Ohtani’s brief comeback as the leadoff designated hitter against the Cincinnati Reds.

Roberts made it clear he isn’t “ruling out” the idea of Ohtani ever taking the mound again, but the reality on the training‑room chalkboard is a lot less rosy. The Japanese star has missed the last four games dealing with a nagging left‑knee strain, a sore neck and a stubborn biceps issue. The club has even paused his throwing program altogether.

“We’re still evaluating the situation,” Roberts said, a little sigh slipping into his voice. “The calendar’s tight, there’s only 19 regular‑season games left, and we have to be realistic about what his arm can handle.”

In practical terms, that means Ohtani will continue to lead off as a DH – a role he’s already slotted into for the rest of the season. He went 0‑for‑3 with two strikeouts and a walk in that Monday game, a modest showing, but one that Roberts believes is enough to keep the batting order humming.

There’s also the looming possibility of an IL stint. The Dodgers are weighing whether a short spell on the injured list might give Ohtani’s arm the breathing room it needs, without jeopardizing the team’s playoff push. “It’s not about shutting the door on pitching,” Roberts added, “it’s about being smart with his health.”

Fans who were hoping for a surprise ace‑in‑the‑hole will have to temper expectations. The consensus among the coaching staff is that Ohtani will focus solely on his hitting duties for the remainder of 2026. That isn’t a criticism – his bat still produces the kind of production the Dodgers need as they chase another postseason berth.

Roberts also reminded the media that the team’s priority is the long‑term health of its superstar. “We want him to be ready for next season, and possibly next‑next season, still being a two‑way player,” he said. “If that means sitting out the mound this year, that’s a decision we’re prepared to make.”

So, while the fantasy of seeing Ohtani line up on the mound against the Reds might have flickered for a moment, the reality is a cautious, measured approach. The Dodgers will keep the hitter’s swing alive, and hopefully, the arm will recover enough to surprise everyone down the road.