Shohei Ohtani Out of Dodgers Lineup After 0-for-4, Four-Strikeout Game
Ohtani is out of the Dodgers starting lineup on September 3, 2026, a day after going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts, per MLB.com.
Shohei Ohtani is not in the Dodgers starting lineup on September 3, 2026, one day after going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts against the Cardinals.
The absence lands in an already unsettled moment for Los Angeles. Per earlier reporting, manager Dave Roberts indicated he would evaluate Ohtani's availability after that game, during which Ohtani was visibly wincing and compensating during at-bats. The Dodgers are also reportedly considering rest days for Ohtani to help him reach full health before the postseason, and the club is weighing whether an IL stint may be necessary given two nagging injuries the superstar is dealing with. None of those decisions have been announced.
What we don't know yet
Whether today's absence is a scheduled rest day, a precautionary measure tied to the reported injuries, or the beginning of a longer stretch out of the lineup remains unconfirmed. The Dodgers have not announced an IL placement for Ohtani.
The broader picture
The roster context around Ohtani is already in motion. Dalton Rushing was activated from the injured list and placed in a bench role, while Eric Lauer landed on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation after experiencing discomfort during or after his start against the Cardinals — a move that has disrupted the club's rotation plans. The Dodgers are managing a crowded set of roster decisions as the regular season winds down.
What to watch: any update from Roberts on Ohtani's status and whether the club moves toward a formal IL designation or continues to manage him with intermittent rest.
More on the Dodgers wire.
Shohei Ohtani Out of Dodgers Lineup After 0-for-4, Four-Strikeout Game
Ohtani is not in the Dodgers' starting lineup, a day after going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts, as the club weighs rest and a possible IL stint.
Dalton Rushing Activated From IL, Placed in Dodgers Bench Role Down the Stretch
The Dodgers have activated catcher Dalton Rushing from the injured list, slotting him into a bench role as Los Angeles navigates a crowded late-season roster.
Dodgers weighing IL stint for Ohtani amid two nagging injuries
Ohtani has been struggling at the plate recently, going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts, as LA considers giving him time off.
Dodgers weighing IL stint for Ohtani amid two nagging injuries
Ohtani has been struggling at the plate and Los Angeles may give him time off as he manages a pair of undisclosed ailments.
Dodgers Considering Rest Days for Shohei Ohtani Before Postseason
Los Angeles is weighing scheduled days off for Ohtani to reach full health before the playoffs, per MLB.com's Sonja Chen. No plan has been announced.
Dodgers Considering Rest Days for Shohei Ohtani Before Postseason
Los Angeles is mulling planned days off for Ohtani to get him to full health before the playoffs, per MLB.com's Sonja Chen. No timetable has been announced.