Ohtani Advances in Recovery as Dodgers Weigh Playoff Seed

The NL West-champion Los Angeles Dodgers are using the final nine regular-season games to balance playoff positioning with recovering key players before October. Shohei Ohtani, sidelined by right biceps inflammation and left knee swelling, is progressing through hitting activities and could return during the regular season, though he has not yet faced live pitching. Blake Snell’s early exit against Cincinnati because of left groin tightness was considered precautionary, and both Snell and manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence that he can make another start next week. Andy Pages, recovering from hand surgery, has rejoined the team and could be activated during the current homestand, while Dalton Rushing is testing whether a PRP-treated right arm will allow him to contribute as a designated hitter or pinch-hitter despite remaining unavailable defensively. The Dodgers remain in contention for a top-two seed and first-round bye, but Roberts emphasized prioritizing player health, while describing Ohtani as largely self-directed and requiring minimal managerial intervention.