What Shohei Ohtani’s long-delayed IL trip means for Dodgers’ MLB Postseason outlook

Shohei Ohtani started the regular season with hopes of corralling his fourth-straight MVP. The Dodgers supernova appeared the likeliest candidate to get his hands on the ornament, particularly after whiffing his foes aside during a glistening first-half showing.

Now, there's a chance he'll end the year in the dugout, felled by a series of unfortunate events. Ohtani was placed on the 15-day injured list, Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts announced on Sept. 9. He'll have to spend more than two weeks on the outside looking in as the Dodgers gear up for the stretch run.

Ohtani's MVP candidacy fell quiet as injuries took their toll. Los Angeles remains World Series contenders despite his ill health. But Roberts and Co. would do well to get its two-way star back in action before this season turns to the past.

With that, here's what we know about Ohtani's latest injury setback.

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What is Shohei Ohtani’s injury?

Ohtani has been cut down by a handful of injuries in recent weeks, landing on the 15-day IL after hurting his left knee, right biceps and neck.

The two-way supernova was held out of Los Angeles' starting lineup for three straight games last week before returning to the lineup on Sept. 7. After going 0-3 with a walk and two strikeouts in the Dodgers' 6-3 win over the Reds that day, Ohtani returned to the bench, giving way to Freddie Freeman and Will Smith. Roberts confirmed that Ohtani was headed to the IL due to his maladies after Los Angeles' 14-1 win over Cincinnati on Wednesday night.

Ohtani has dealt with biceps and knee trouble throughout the campaign. On June 11, Ohtani was pulled after feeling pain in his left knee after he tried to steal a base against the Pirates.

Three weeks later, Ohtani was pinch-hit for after feeling tightness in his right biceps. He hasn't appeared on the mound since; Ohtani told reporters that he wasn't planning on attempting to make a return to the bump for the 2026 season.

MORE: Updated MLB standings, playoff bracket, magic numbers

What did Dave Roberts say about Shohei Ohtani going on the IL?

Roberts confirmed that Ohtani is headed to the injured list on Wednesday night. The Dodgers boss admitted that Los Angeles waited as long as possible to give Ohtani's body time to recover.

“It’s the right thing to do, we tried to kick the bucket as much as we could," Roberts said.

Because of Ohtani's two-way status, he'll be barred from playing in Dodgers games for 15 days as opposed to the usual 10. Los Angeles called up outfielder Josue De Paula, the No. 6 player on MLB Pipeline's prospect list, to replace the fallen Ohtani.

MORE: Shohei Ohtani full family tree, including his athlete wife

When does the MLB Postseason start?

The postseason formally kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 29 with the AL and NL Wild Card series. The Divisional Round starts on Oct. 3, setting the stage for a month-long festival of baseball excellence.

Earliest Shohei Ohtani can return from IL

Ohtani won't be permitted to return to the Dodgers' lineup until Sept. 23. While he has yet to pitch in a game since before the All-Star Break — and won't do so for the remainder of the year — Ohtani still retains his two-way status. Pitchers and two-way players are required to watch games from the dugouts for 15 days before returning to action, as per MLB's latest collective bargaining agreement with MLBPA.

Dodgers remaining schedule

Here's a look at Los Angeles' schedule for the remainder of the regular season.

Shohei Ohtani injury history

Ohtani has suffered his fair share of nicks and bruises over the years, spending time out of the pitching rotation with nagging elbow trouble and occasional hand issues. He has missed three seasons with Tommy John surgery, staying fixed to the dugout (outside of hitting) during the 2019, 2020 and 2023 seasons.

He has tended to remain in the lineup while experiencing those toils, claiming NL MVP honors in 2023 after authoring perhaps the greatest season ever for a designated hitter.

Ohtani has also undergone operations on his knee and ankle (during his time with NPB's Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters).

Dodgers lineup without Shohei Ohtani

Los Angeles' lineup will look a little less star-laden with Ohtani in the dugout. Here's a look at how Roberts could configure his nine-man crew with its talisman on the mend.

You'd expect Roberts to mix and match as the campaign wears on. Smith could very well be deployed to man the backstop on occasions, while the likes of Freeman and De Paula could be called upon to serve as the team's designated hitter depending on matchup.