LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup after missing four games with an injury, giving the club its two-way star back as the regular season enters its final stretch. The return marks the end of a brief absence and restores a central bat to the top of the order.
Ohtani was back in the lineup after the four-game layoff, with attention on his health, timing at the plate and workload as he ramps back into game action. The Dodgers monitored his status during the absence before clearing him to return, positioning him to resume his usual role as designated hitter.
His presence alters the Dodgers' lineup construction and approach, adding power and on-base ability that forces opposing pitchers to adjust sequencing and bullpen usage. Even after a short layoff, his ability to control the strike zone and drive the ball changes how opponents attack the heart of the order.
The club will look to manage his return carefully while keeping rhythm for the postseason push, balancing at-bats and recovery as the schedule tightens. Getting Ohtani back now allows Los Angeles to stabilize its lineup and evaluate readiness for upcoming series.