Shohei Ohtani’s return to Dodgers lineup is short-lived in troubling twist

Shohei Ohtani’s return to the Dodgers’ lineup was unexpectedly short-lived.

After missing four games over the last week while managing ongoing left knee and right arm injuries, Ohtani was back in the Dodgers’ starting lineup for Monday’s series-opener against the Cincinnati Reds.

However, following an 0-for-3 performance with two strikeouts and one walk, Ohtani was out once again on Tuesday, raising renewed questions about the state of his health.

Granted, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did not commit to playing Ohtani again on Tuesday following Monday’s game.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani walks back to the dugout after striking out during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

He said the team would “see how he feels tomorrow” before deciding on his Tuesday status.

But, there was no sign another off day for Ohtani was imminent. Instead, Roberts made a point of noting how, despite Ohtani’s hitless performance (which extended his recent slump to 6-for-49 dating back to mid-August, the worst such stretch of his already up-and-down season), the two-way star had “come out of [the game] feeling good,” leaving the team encouraged that his recent days off had helped his injury recoveries.

Whether that had changed by Tuesday wasn’t immediately clear.

It’s possible the team was simply giving Ohtani another day of rest, before having him play again Wednesday ahead of another scheduled off day for the club on Thursday.

Either way, it was yet another remind of the uncertain state of Ohtani’s health, with the 32-year-old still not ready to resume everyday duties as he battles lingering health problems.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) walks to the dugout after striking out against Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani looks on in the dugout against the Cincinnati Reds during the second inning at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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