Key Highlights:
- Shohei Ohtani faces an uncertain offseason regarding potential surgery for persistent knee and biceps injuries following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ NLCS exit.
- The Milwaukee Brewers eliminated the Dodgers in a four-game sweep, overcoming an early Ohtani three-run home run in Game 4 to win 6-4.
- Ohtani, who was sidelined from pitching after July 3 due to his physical ailments, confirmed his intention to return to the mound for the 2027 season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers face major questions regarding the long-term health of superstar Shohei Ohtani following a premature conclusion to their 2026 campaign. After the Dodgers were swept out of the National League Championship Series by the Milwaukee Brewers, the four-time MVP acknowledged that his medical pathway during the upcoming winter remains undetermined.
NLCS Elimination and Immediate Health Uncertainty
The Milwaukee Brewers brought an emphatic end to Los Angeles’ ambitions of capturing a third consecutive World Series title by securing a 6-4 victory in Game 4 at Dodger Stadium. The loss finalized a four-game sweep for Milwaukee. Ohtani provided the primary highlight for the Dodgers’ offense in the second inning, launching a three-run home run to give Los Angeles an early 4-0 lead. Despite his celebration energizing the home crowd, Milwaukee answered with six unanswered runs to clinch the pennant.
Following the defeat, focus rapidly shifted to the medical condition that has hampered the two-way phenom throughout the latter half of the year. When addressed about whether surgical intervention would be needed to fix his ongoing ailments, Ohtani said post-match it was hard to tell
whether procedures would be necessary to address his lingering knee and biceps issues.
Physical Setbacks and the Halt to Pitching in 2026
Ohtani’s physical limitations have been a central concern for the Dodgers organization for months. He has managed persistent inflammation and soreness in his left knee paired with discomfort in his right biceps. The complications forced Los Angeles to halt his throwing program entirely, preventing the right-hander from making an appearance on the mound after July 3.
Prior to being shut down from pitching duties, Ohtani had produced dominant numbers on the mound. Over 14 starts during the 2026 campaign, he compiled an 8-2 record alongside a 1.79 earned-run average. Although the Dodgers originally hoped conservative treatment and rest would enable him to resume throwing before the season ended, the franchise ultimately elected to protect his health by utilizing him exclusively as a designated hitter.
The physical toll also aligned with a challenging stretch in the batter’s box. While he remained an everyday fixture in the Dodgers’ lineup throughout October, Ohtani had struggled to maintain his elite offensive rhythm prior to his Game 4 home run against Milwaukee.
Winter Plans and 2027 Two-Way Outlook
No surgical procedures have been officially scheduled, and the Dodgers have not confirmed that an operation will ultimately take place. Any medical strategy will be determined following comprehensive postseason examinations conducted by the team’s medical staff. Despite the physical hurdles, Ohtani has made it clear that his goal is to pitch again in 2027, making proper rehabilitation his main objective during the winter months.
Why This Matters
Shohei Ohtani’s recovery strategy is the most significant storyline of the offseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Managing the unprecedented physical toll of performing as both an elite starting pitcher and a middle-of-the-order hitter remains baseball’s most complex balancing act. Because the Dodgers’ roster construction and championship contention rely heavily on his historic two-way production, the front office will need definitive medical clarity on his knee and arm before outlining pitching rotations, depth acquisitions, and workload parameters for the 2027 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Shohei Ohtani officially scheduled surgery for his knee or biceps?
No. An operation has not been scheduled. Ohtani noted that it is hard to tell
if surgery will be required, and any upcoming decisions will rely on medical evaluations performed by the Los Angeles Dodgers’ staff during the offseason.
When did Shohei Ohtani last pitch during the 2026 MLB season?
Ohtani did not pitch in an MLB game after July 3, 2026. The Dodgers decided to pause his throwing program due to right biceps discomfort and left knee inflammation, opting to utilize him strictly as a designated hitter for the remainder of the year.
Does Shohei Ohtani plan to pitch again in the 2027 season?
Yes. Ohtani has indicated that he intends to return to the mound as a two-way player in 2027, with his winter recovery focused on reaching full strength without incurring further physical setbacks.
