Dave Roberts said on September 4, 2026, that Shohei Ohtani would hit in the cage and must pass physical tests before the Los Angeles Dodgers decide whether he can play.
Roberts said Ohtani was scheduled to hit in the cage on September 4, with his response informing his availability for September 5. “He’s going to hit today in the cage,” Roberts said. He added that if Ohtani did not feel better after hitting, the Dodgers could consider an injured-list stint: “If it doesn’t feel good today, then that certainly should be on the table.”
Roberts stated that Ohtani’s health was the primary consideration and that at-bats could be found later if necessary. He also noted that a shorter absence could be preferable if Ohtani was trending in the right direction, saying, “Whether it’s 6, 7, 8 days is better than 10 days.” Roberts described Ohtani as more loose and easygoing over the previous two days, which he viewed as a sign of physical improvement.
Roberts said the Dodgers planned to use an uncertain starter and have Bobby Miller handle approximately 50 pitches in the pitching plan for September 5. He added that Roki Sasaki had thrown an extended bullpen session and was expected to have a live session early in the 2026 season’s following week, but stated, “I don’t see him being active next week, early next week.”
Edwin Diaz was scheduled to make a rehabilitation appearance on September 5, a plan Roberts mentioned while also describing Diaz as a trusted high-leverage option against left- and hitters. Roberts credited Teoscar Hernandez’s improvement primarily to swing adjustments, while acknowledging that competition for playing time could also contribute. He said, “There’s nine days, nine games in a row,” and reported that Diaz’s pitching-related measure had reached 104. Roberts also joked with Eric, saying, “You got people everywhere, Eric.”
The Dodgers will evaluate Ohtani’s availability after his September 4 cage session, with an injured-list placement remaining under consideration if he does not feel better. The club will also conduct Edwin Diaz’s rehabilitation appearance on September 5 and continue evaluating Roki Sasaki’s rehabilitation progress.