Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two‑way sensation, has been forced to step away from the mound after a knee injury that has lingered since early July.
The team announced that the irritation in his knee will keep him out of pitching duties indefinitely, though the slugger will continue to contribute at the plate.
This season Ohtani has appeared in 96 games, compiling 101 hits, 66 runs, 22 home runs and 60 RBIs, placing him 10th in the league for home runs and ninth in OPS.
His 14 starts on the mound yielded a 1.79 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP, underscoring the value he brought both as a pitcher and a hitter.
With his pitching sidelined, Ohtani is expected to focus on his role as a designated hitter while he rehabilitates, a move that should preserve his offensive output but may limit his base‑running aggressiveness.
Rehabilitation and outlook
The organization has not set a firm return date, but medical staff are optimistic that targeted therapy will restore enough mobility for Ohtani to resume pitching before the season’s end.
His presence in the lineup remains a cornerstone for the Dodgers, as his bat continues to rank among the most feared in the National League.
Fantasy baseball participants are adjusting their rosters, weighing the risk of a diminished base‑running threat against the certainty of his hitting production.