Dave Roberts said on September 7, 2026, that Shohei Ohtani was held out of the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup to build him up slowly.
Roberts said Ohtani was expected to be available in a big spot on September 7 and return to the lineup on September 8, with September 10 also possible if he responds well. Roberts also said Ohtani's ability to catch up to a 99-mph fastball at the top of the zone on September 6 indicated that Ohtani was feeling considerably better.
Roberts noted that the Los Angeles Dodgers plan Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player, although his pitching plan was not under discussion. He stated that the club was prioritizing Ohtani's overall health and postseason readiness over playing him every night, asking, "what can we do to get him to be optimum."
Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani wants to play because "people come a long ways to see him play," but added that he sometimes has to make decisions to protect Ohtani. Roberts apologized to fans who wanted to see Ohtani and said, "they can yell at me," because he made the lineup decision.
Roberts explained that Freddie Freeman was the designated hitter on September 7 to get him off his feet for a game and give Kiké Hernández a start against a pitcher. Roberts also said the Los Angeles Dodgers had 19 or 20 games remaining, according to his estimate, and that Ohtani had four plate appearances on September 6.
The Los Angeles Dodgers scheduled Edwin Díaz to pitch on September 9 and September 10, with September 13 a possible first opportunity to appear for the club. Will Klein was throwing a bullpen session and was expected to remain in the Dodgers' stay-hot camp while the club evaluated his availability.