Dodgers Set to Activate Shohei Ohtani for Final Week
The short version
- Dave Roberts said the Dodgers plan to activate Shohei Ohtani on Wednesday
- Roberts described Ohtani's health as considerably better than before
- Ohtani hit .215/.311/.449 since starting a throwing program Aug. 4
- His leadoff role is uncertain; Mookie Betts could lead off vs. lefties
- Dodgers trail the Brewers in pursuit of the NL's top seed with five games left
Los Angeles plans to bring its designated hitter off the injured list Wednesday as it chases an NL playoff bye.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the team intends to activate Shohei Ohtani on Wednesday, returning him to the designated hitter role for the closing stretch of the regular season. Roberts indicated Ohtani's health has improved significantly, rating him much higher than before his injured-list stint.
Ohtani may still receive occasional days off before the playoffs, but the club hopes the time away will leave him healthy and help him emerge from a downturn at the plate. Since beginning a throwing program on Aug. 4, he batted .215 with a .311 on-base percentage and .449 slugging percentage while striking out more often than usual.
Ohtani has hit leadoff in all but one game this season, though Roberts said he is unsure whether that will continue. Mookie Betts, who has been performing at an All-Star level, is a possible option to lead off against left-handed pitching.
The Dodgers enter the final five games pursuing the Milwaukee Brewers for the top National League seed. With Betts, Kyle Tucker, Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages also available, the lineup should be at close to full strength heading into October.
Written by the Matchday Live desk from reporting by Yahoo Sports.
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