The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2026 season exposed critical lessons in managing a two-way superstar’s workload, as Shohei Ohtani’s persistent injuries derailed both his pitching and hitting performance. Ohtani’s right biceps and left knee issues flared repeatedly—first with a June 11 exit due to knee inflammation, then a July 3 pinch-hit appearance after a quality start, where he admitted discomfort dating back months.
His final four mound outings (after a strong 0.74 ERA through 10 starts) ballooned to a 4.38 ERA, while his hitting slump deepened after an August 8 throwing progression, culminating in a .205 average and .666 OPS over his last 29 games. The Dodgers’ reactive approach—delaying IL placements until injuries were severe—left Ohtani’s return indefinitely stalled by late September, with his self-assessment of fatigue clashing against the team’s reliance on his input alone.
Ohtani himself acknowledged the season’s failures, vowing to overhaul his treatment and training for 2027. Team president Andrew Friedman highlighted the challenges of balancing Ohtani’s dual role, noting that while communication improved, his self-reported pain wasn’t always matched by action.
The Dodgers’ occasional proactive measures—like separating workloads or granting rest days—were outweighed by missed opportunities, such as skipping starts or earlier shutdowns when inflammation first surfaced. As Ohtani targets a full two-way return next year, the Dodgers’ ability to refine injury management could define his longevity and their postseason hopes.
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