Dave Roberts said on September 13, 2026, that Shohei Ohtani will begin swinging a bat off a tee on September 14.
Roberts explained that Ohtani has been lifting, working out and receiving treatment while not swinging. He also said Andy Pages hit with softer balls on September 13 and is scheduled to begin cage swings with baseballs on September 14. “Tomorrow he’s going to start swinging in the cage with some baseballs,” Roberts said.
Freddie Freeman is expected to return to the lineup on September 14, with his status to be evaluated afterward on a day-to-day basis. “I expect him to be in the lineup tomorrow and then we’ll evaluate from there,” Roberts noted. Roberts is also evaluating Roki Sasaki, whose potential Thursday start remains open after a bullpen session with Dermabond covering the affected area for the first time. Roberts stated that the Dodgers cannot put Sasaki in a position to regress after the session.
Roberts said the Dodgers must finish the season well to reach the needed break, even though several players need rest, and that postseason pitching opportunities will be determined by performance and talent. He added that Edgardo Henriquez needs to pitch better, with his Wednesday outing serving as the next evaluation point. Roberts also acknowledged that the lineup’s overall health is a concern, although he said athletes have a “magical way” of feeling better when the postseason begins.
The Dodgers activated Paul Gervase for the roster spot associated with Michael Kopech, but Roberts said he does not expect Gervase to pitch before September 16. The team will evaluate Freeman, Sasaki, Pages and Henriquez through those scheduled plans and upcoming appearances.