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1h ago

Ohtani Near Return, Dodgers Preparing Hitter-Only Activation

Coaches say he has taken simulated at-bats and run the bases and the club wants a short series of live reps before activating him this week to ready him for the postseason.

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An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) doubles against the San Francisco Giants, Image 2 shows Mookie Betts is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring a run, Image 3 shows Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers warming up before a game
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Shohei Ohtani smiling and posing on a baseball field, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani runs the bases during a game, Image 3 shows A baseball pitcher in uniform pitching towards a black screen with a camera cutout, with "Rapsodo + Trajekt Sports" text
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Overview

  • The latest progress came on Saturday when Ohtani ran bases at Dodger Stadium and took simulated at-bats on a Trajekt Arc pitching machine, work described by coaches as productive and on schedule.
  • His 15-day injured list stint was backdated to Sept. 8, making him eligible to be activated on Wednesday, but the team would have at most five regular-season games to get him game‑ready before the playoffs.
  • The Dodgers have ruled him out as a pitcher for 2026 and plan to use Ohtani only as a hitter if he is activated.
  • Manager Dave Roberts and hitting coach Aaron Bates said the club wants roughly 10 to 12 live at-bats or the equivalent in controlled reps before returning him to the lineup, and with the minor‑league season over the team is relying on cage work and Trajekt simulation.
  • Mookie Betts’s recent hot stretch and the Dodgers’ strong record without Ohtani create a lineup decision if Ohtani returns limited, and his brief window to regain timing could shape how much he plays in October.