Shohei Ohtani 'focusing on hitting,' unlikely to pitch again in 2026
USA Today
Last updated: September 8, 2026
Shohei Ohtani, the celebrated two-way baseball star, has indicated he will likely not pitch again in 2026. This decision comes as he rejoins the Dodgers lineup following a brief absence.
- Ohtani has undergone elbow surgery and is currently focusing solely on his hitting abilities.
- The surgery, performed in September, was to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).
- While Ohtani expressed his desire to return to pitching in the future, he stated that pitching in 2026 is unlikely.
- He is currently participating as a designated hitter for the Dodgers.
- The timeline for his return to the pitcher's mound remains uncertain, with the primary focus on his recovery and continued success as a hitter.
- Ohtani's return to the lineup after his four-day absence marks his re-entry into active play as a hitter.
- This development signals a significant shift in his immediate career trajectory, prioritizing his offensive contributions while his pitching arm heals.
- The team and Ohtani himself are managing expectations regarding his pitching return, emphasizing a cautious approach to his recovery.
- His commitment to hitting is paramount for the current season and the foreseeable future.
