Shohei Ohtani resumes hitting drills amid Dodgers injury concerns

Shohei Ohtani has resumed hitting practice using a tee, marking a significant step in his recovery from right biceps inflammation and left knee discomfort. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the session was positive and expressed confidence that Ohtani will return for several regular-season games before the postseason begins. Ohtani, who has been on the 15-day injured list since September 8, is expected to focus exclusively on his role as a designated hitter for the remainder of the season.

While Ohtani works toward his return, the Dodgers have maintained strong momentum, recently clinching a postseason berth and moving closer to the NL West title. Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto contributed to this success with a dominant seven-inning performance in a 4-0 shutout victory against the Cincinnati Reds.

However, the team faces depth challenges in its bullpen. Key relievers such as Edwin Diaz and Edgardo Henriquez have struggled or faced injury, leaving the team's late-inning management in a precarious position as they prepare for the playoffs.