Overview
- Shohei Ohtani returned to the Dodgers' starting lineup Monday as the designated hitter after a four‑game absence for left‑knee, right‑biceps and neck soreness.
- The Dodgers said Ohtani has not thrown in a game since July 3 and have no timetable for his pitching return, with manager Dave Roberts calling a mound comeback this season unlikely.
- Los Angeles deliberately avoided immediately placing Ohtani on the injured list because two‑way players face a 15‑day minimum IL stay and the club wanted short‑term roster flexibility in September.
- The team made other roster moves to manage depth while Ohtani rested: closer Edwin Díaz began a Triple‑A rehab outing, Dalton Rushing was placed on the IL, and catcher Eliezer Alfonzo was recalled.
- Role players have filled gaps at the same time — Tommy Edman and Mookie Betts supplied key defense and offense in recent wins — and the club is balancing September workload, rehab assignments and bullpen health as it prepares for October.