Ohtani Resumes Batting Practice, Dodgers Eye Playoff Return
WHO:
MLB.com - Joe Jiménez, Braves manager Walt Weiss
Yahoo Sports - Shohei Ohtani is a star player for the Dodgers.
ESPN - Dave Roberts is the manager of the Dodgers.
WHAT:
MLB.com - Jiménez threw live batting practice at Truist Park, marking his first significant step towards resuming his Major League career after not pitching in a game for two years.
MLB.com - Jiménez has undergone three surgeries on his left knee since 2024.
Yahoo Sports - Ohtani's 15-day IL placement is backdated to September 8, meaning that the earliest he can be activated is September 23, with five regular-season games remaining for the Dodgers.
ESPN - In his last 24 games, Ohtani hit .198 (19-for-96) with a .690 OPS and 34 strikeouts.
MLB.com - The Dodgers clinched their record-tying 14th consecutive postseason berth on a recent Monday.
Yahoo Sports - The Dodgers improved to a season record of 92-59.
ESPN - Ohtani's swings were his first since going on the IL on September 8.
ESPN - The Dodgers have already clinched a playoff spot.
Yahoo Sports - Ohtani's 15-day IL placement is backdated to September 8, meaning that the earliest he can be activated is September 23, with five regular-season games remaining for the Dodgers.
ESPN - In his last 24 games, Ohtani hit .198 (19-for-96) with a .690 OPS and 34 strikeouts.
MLB.com - The Dodgers clinched their record-tying 14th consecutive postseason berth on a recent Monday.
Yahoo Sports - Ohtani went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk in his final appearance before being placed on the IL.
Yahoo Sports - The Dodgers' win against the Cincinnati Reds was powered by home runs from Teoscar Hernández and Alex Freeland.
ESPN - Roberts expressed hope that Ohtani will play in a few more regular-season games, stating, "Whether it happens or not is to be determined, but I do expect him to be back to play in some regular season games."
Yahoo Sports - Ohtani took his first swings off a tee since landing on the injured list (IL).
Yahoo Sports - Ohtani is currently on the 15-day injured list due to right biceps inflammation.
Yahoo Sports - The Dodgers won their game against the Cincinnati Reds with a score of 4-0.
Yahoo Sports - The Dodgers improved to a season record of 92-59.
ESPN - Ohtani's swings were his first since going on the IL on September 8.
ESPN - The Dodgers have already clinched a playoff spot.
WHERE:
Yahoo Sports - The batting practice took place in Los Angeles.
ESPN - The Dodgers played against the Cincinnati Reds.
WHEN:
Yahoo Sports - Ohtani landed on the IL on September 8.
Yahoo Sports - Ohtani will be eligible to return on September 23 at the earliest.
ESPN - The Dodgers entered the game with a magic number of three to clinch their 13th NL West title in 14 years.
WHY:
MLB.com - Jiménez expressed gratitude for being able to participate in team activities, stating, "At one point, I thought that it was done."
Yahoo Sports - Ohtani has struggled to remain on the field due to various injuries, including a knee issue and right biceps inflammation.
HOW:
MLB.com - Jiménez simulated facing five hitters during the live batting practice session, with Dominic Smith and Brewer Hicklen as batters.
MLB.com - Ohtani will return only as a hitter, with his two-way duties shelved until 2027.
Yahoo Sports - Ohtani is not expected to pitch again for the rest of the season due to his injuries.
Yahoo Sports - Ohtani hit off a tee as part of his rehabilitation process.
ESPN - Ohtani is not traveling with the team but is working out and receiving treatment.
MLB.com - Ohtani will return only as a hitter, with his two-way duties shelved until 2027.
Yahoo Sports - Ohtani is not expected to pitch again for the rest of the season due to his injuries.
Yahoo Sports - Ohtani hit off a tee as part of his rehabilitation process.
ESPN - Ohtani is not traveling with the team but is working out and receiving treatment.
Joe Jiménez took a significant step towards resuming his Major League career by throwing live batting practice at Truist Park, marking his first time on the mound in two years. The Braves manager, Walt Weiss, noted that Jiménez has undergone three surgeries on his left knee since 2024, but he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in team activities, saying, "At one point, I thought that it was done." During the session, Jiménez simulated facing five hitters, including Dominic Smith and Brewer Hicklen, as he works his way back into the game.