Ohtani Uncertain on Injury Causes Ahead of Dodgers Postseason

Shohei Ohtani admitted Friday he does not fully understand the root cause of the right biceps, left knee, and neck injuries that sidelined him after the All-Star break and placed him on the injured list for the first time as a Dodger. He said the investigation will wait until the offseason when he has more time to address it, adding that for now he must simply manage the conditions.

Ohtani returned from the injured list with five games left in the regular season, going 5-for-21 with eight strikeouts, one walk, and a double. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged uncertainty about what Ohtani can deliver in the postseason but said he expects good things once the games begin. Roberts noted Ohtani's at-bat quality improved after his return.

“I haven't been able to get a good grasp of the root cause of all this, so I think that process is going to happen during the offseason.”

Ohtani said his body feels good overall and his swing feels smooth, requiring only minor tweaks to be ready. The two-way star, who throws right-handed and bats left-handed, explained that caring for his infant son — born in late June — requires two arms, which was limited by his right biceps injury. His daughter was born in April 2025.

The Dodgers open the National League Division Series against Atlanta on Saturday, with Ohtani's health critical to their pursuit of a third consecutive World Series title.