Shohei Ohtani Cleared for Postseason as Dodgers Begin Division Series Against Atlanta

Injury management and postseason readiness

Shohei Ohtani confirmed on Friday that he will manage lingering injuries to his right biceps, left knee, and neck as the Los Angeles Dodgers begin their postseason campaign. The physical issues prevented Ohtani from pitching after the All-Star break and forced him onto the injured list for the first time in his Dodgers career. Speaking through interpreter Will Ireton at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani explained that identifying the exact origin of his ailments will have to wait until the winter.

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 when I'm going have a little bit more time to be able to address it. As of now, it's something I'm just going to have to manage.

Ohtani did not pitch in an MLB game after July 3, despite attempting a throwing ramp-up in mid-August. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged in September that Ohtani often downplays physical discomfort when communicating with team medical staff. Ohtani noted that family support helped him navigate the rehabilitation period, though holding his infant son, born in late June, was physically challenging due to the right biceps strain.

Workout preparation and plate mechanics

The Dodgers used their first-round postseason bye to evaluate Ohtani at the plate following what was statistically his most difficult offensive regular season with Los Angeles. Ohtani took on-field batting practice at Dodger Stadium during the week, hitting multiple baseballs off the stadium scoreboard. Hitting coach Aaron Bates cited the session as a positive development for Ohtani, who also faced countryman Yoshinobu Yamamoto in live batting practice for the first time since their 2017 matchup in Nippon Professional Baseball.

Ohtani appeared in eight games during the team's September schedule, including five regular-season contests after coming off the injured list. Over those final five games, he went 5 for 21 with eight strikeouts, one double, and one walk. While manager Dave Roberts noted that Ohtani's contact quality improved down the stretch, the team remains cautious about his offensive volume.

I know that once the lights turn on, the postseason starts, the focus will be heightened. I expect good things. I really do. We just haven't seen it enough for me to forecast it.

Los Angeles Dodgers title defense

The Dodgers enter the postseason after compiling a 100-win regular season and securing another division championship. Los Angeles is pursuing its third consecutive World Series title, seeking to become the first National League franchise to complete a three-peat. The core of the roster includes some of the oldest position players in baseball, with Freddie Freeman turning 37 in September and Max Muncy turning 36 in August alongside veterans Mookie Betts, Miguel Rojas, Kiké Hernández, and Will Smith.

The best-of-five National League Division Series opens Saturday at Dodger Stadium against the Atlanta Braves. Atlanta advanced to the round after winning Thursday's elimination game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Los Angeles plans to deploy Ohtani as a designated hitter throughout the series as the club attempts to defend its consecutive league championships.