Shohei Ohtani Takes Full-Intensity Swings as Dodgers Return Nears

Shohei Ohtani has progressed beyond tee work and coach-pitch batting practice as he moves closer to rejoining the Dodgers’ lineup.

Ohtani took simulated at-bats against the Dodgers’ Trajekt pitching machine Saturday while swinging at full intensity. He also ran the bases on the field as part of his continued buildup.

Hitting coach Aaron Bates said Ohtani looked noticeably less compromised during the session than he did before the Dodgers placed him on the injured list.

That assessment represents one of the most encouraging updates the Dodgers have received since shutting Ohtani down earlier this month.

Ohtani Has Progressed Quickly Over the Past Week

Ohtani began his hitting progression by taking swings off a tee Tuesday. He advanced to coach-pitch batting practice Friday before facing simulated pitching Saturday.

The Trajekt machine allows hitters to see velocity, movement and pitch shapes designed to replicate what they will face in games. While it is not identical to facing a live pitcher, it presents a more demanding test than hitting off a tee or taking traditional batting practice.

More importantly, Ohtani was able to swing with full effort.

Before going on the injured list, his physical issues appeared to be affecting both the quality and freedom of his swing. Bates seeing less compensation in Ohtani’s movements suggests the time away has produced the intended result.

Wednesday Is His First Eligible Date, Not a Scheduled Return

Ohtani was placed on the 15-day injured list Sept. 11, retroactive to Sept. 8, with right biceps inflammation.

He becomes eligible for activation Wednesday when the Dodgers play the second game of their series against the Padres.

That does not mean he will automatically return Wednesday.

Dave Roberts said after Saturday’s game that there was a “good chance” Ohtani would be activated at some point during the Padres series. Roberts did not commit to a specific game.

The Dodgers expect to activate Andy Pages before Tuesday’s series opener, with Ohtani expected to follow shortly afterward.

The Padres series concludes Thursday, giving the Dodgers several possible activation dates before they finish the regular season with three games in San Francisco.

Dodgers Wanted Ohtani Healthier Before October

Ohtani had been managing soreness in his left knee and right biceps, along with a neck issue that surfaced in early September. The official reason for his current IL placement is right biceps inflammation.

The physical problems coincided with a difficult stretch at the plate.

Ohtani went 6-for-49 with 21 strikeouts, no home runs and no RBIs across his final 13 appearances before the Dodgers placed him on the IL.

His season numbers remain strong. Ohtani is batting .277 with a .380 on-base percentage, a .522 slugging percentage, 30 home runs and 80 RBIs across 130 games.

But the Dodgers were more concerned with restoring the version of Ohtani they will need in October than pushing him through the end of the regular season while his swing remained compromised.

His Return Will Be as a Hitter

Ohtani is not expected to pitch again this season.

He has not appeared on the mound since July 3 and is focusing on preparing to return as the Dodgers’ designated hitter.

That makes his recent hitting progression particularly important. The Dodgers want to give him enough regular-season at-bats to regain his timing before postseason play begins without rushing him back before his body is ready.

Facing simulated pitching at full intensity is a meaningful step toward that goal.

The Dodgers still need to see how Ohtani responds following the increased workload, and an activation date will depend on his continued recovery.

For now, his swing looks freer, the intensity has increased and his return appears closer.