The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed Shohei Ohtani on the 15-day injured list after the two-way star sat out six of the team's past seven games with discomfort in his right arm.
Because Ohtani is a designated two-way player, he must be placed on the 15-day IL. The earliest he is eligible to return is Sept. 23.
When Will Shohei Ohtani Return?
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence that Ohtani will be in a good place when he is eligible to return.
“Very,” Roberts said when asked about his confidence in Ohtani's recovery. “If it were a postseason game tomorrow, he would be in the lineup.”
Ohtani's IL stint comes as the Dodgers prepare for the final weeks of the regular season.
Will Shohei Ohtani Pitch Again This Season?
Ohtani told reporters Monday that he is “most likely” not going to pitch again this season.
The Dodgers star has not pitched since July 3 against the San Diego Padres. During an Aug. 28 bullpen session, Ohtani experienced a flare-up involving his right biceps.
Ohtani said his primary injury concerns are his right biceps and left knee and acknowledged that he is not 100%.
Shohei Ohtani's Recent Struggles at the Plate
Ohtani's injury issues have coincided with a difficult stretch offensively.
Over the past month, Ohtani is hitting .193 with four home runs and eight RBI.
The Dodgers' decision to place him on the IL gives Ohtani time to recover before potentially returning for the final stretch of the regular season.
