Ohtani’s Injury-Hit Season Raises Workload Questions for Dodgers Ahead of 2027

Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers face important questions about workload management as he aims to resume a two-way role in 2027. An MLB.com review of his injury-hit season examines whether earlier rest or an injured-list placement might have helped protect his health. Ohtani’s left knee inflammation became public on June 11. He experienced right biceps tightness on July 3, which proved to be his final pitching appearance of the season. The Dodgers subsequently canceled a scheduled start and shut down his throwing later in July. He began a throwing progression in August and advanced to facing hitters, but the club reconsidered his return after a late-month bullpen session. His offensive production also declined during that period: over his final 29 regular-season games beginning August 8, he hit .205 with a .666 OPS. After missing several games in September, Ohtani went on the 15-day injured list on September 11. Manager Dave Roberts later acknowledged that, in hindsight, he would have preferred an earlier placement. The season also highlighted the difficulty of fully assessing Ohtani’s condition despite frequent conversations between player and team. Ohtani returned solely as a hitter and ended a nearly two-month home run drought in NLCS Game 4, but Los Angeles was eliminated. He has said he will review his treatment and training program. No detailed plan for next season has been announced. Better health communication and workload decisions remain central questions, rather than settled changes.