Shohei Ohtani is expected to return to the Dodgers’ lineup on Monday, but he almost certainly won’t pitch again this year.

Ohtani hasn’t been officially shut down as a pitcher, manager Dave Roberts said, “but obviously you’re looking at the calendar, how much he’s thrown in the last week, I think we can all do the math.”

With only three weeks remaining in the regular season, Ohtani wouldn’t be able to build up the necessary arm strength to become a full-fledged starter in time for the playoffs. 

But wouldn’t he have enough time to prepare to pitch an inning or two as an opener?

“I think that’s unlikely,” Roberts said.

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani watches from the dugout during a game against the Washington Nationals on Friday, September 4, 2026, in Los Angeles. Wally Skalij for CA Post

So that’s that.

The two-way player will be a one-way player, at least for the remainder of this season. Ohtani last pitched in a game on July 3. 

Ohtani believed he developed problems with his left knee because that’s on the leg on which he lands when he pitches. The Dodgers insisted the pain in his knee didn’t affect him when he was hitting, but that seemed less and less to be the case in recent weeks. 

Ohtani went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts on Wednesday and hasn’t played since. With his back leg unstable, Ohtani looked incapable of using the lower half of his body to generate power. Known to be dealing with biceps problems in recent months, Ohtani was seen shaking his arm during and after his final at-bat of the game.

Following that game, Roberts also revealed that Ohtani also experienced discomfort in his neck. Ohtani also had a tight hip, according to a person familiar with his health.

Ohtani was kept out of the lineup again on Sunday for the finale of a three-game series against the Nationals. The game was the fourth in a row missed by Ohtani.

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani walks through the dugout during a game against the Washington Nationals on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in Los Angeles. Wally Skalij for CA Post

Roberts said Ohtani worked out on Saturday and “came out of it feeling well.”

“If nothing else changes … I see him in there tomorrow,” Roberts said.