Dave Roberts said on September 8, 2026, that Shohei Ohtani would sit out after an uncomfortable swing revealed lingering right-arm and biceps symptoms, with an injured-list decision still possible.
Roberts explained that Ohtani had not totally recovered after four days and four at-bats, adding that the discomfort was in his arm and biceps rather than a specifically localized elbow or shoulder problem. Ohtani swung in the cage the night before but later reported that he did not feel well enough to play.
The Dodgers planned to use the off day after the game to determine the next steps for Ohtani, including whether to place him on the injured list. Roberts noted that a stint could potentially last 15 days and stated that Ohtani would not be 100% by the end of the 2026 season. He said the minimum condition in which he would want Ohtani to play was the level Ohtani had shown on September 7, 2026, while prioritizing getting him as healthy as possible over having him continue hitting while compromised.
Roberts said the Dodgers would choose what was best for Ohtani, even if that meant a potential 15-day injured-list stint, stating, “whatever is best for him, is best for us.” He also referenced the Dodgers losing Max Muncy on the final day of a season, as the club managed postseason-roster uncertainties involving Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Dalton Rushing, Max Muncy and Andy Pages.
Freddie Freeman would receive at least the next game off because of his right-knee discomfort, which Roberts said had bothered him for the last few days; Freeman could return after two or three days of rest, including a possible return on September 11, 2026. Tyler Glasnow’s live batting practice encouraged the Dodgers, and Roberts said Glasnow could return near the end of the road trip as a Los Angeles Dodgers starter. Roberts added that Andy Pages was recovering for the Dodgers from a bone break or fracture, was already swinging, and could provide about a week of preparation before the postseason.
Roberts planned to give Ohtani the September 8, 2026, game off, consult with the Los Angeles Dodgers medical staff, and use the off day to decide the next step, including whether an injured-list placement was best for Ohtani.