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Shohei Ohtani IL Decision Looms After Three Straight Missed Games

PUBLISHED Sep 6, 2026, 10:25 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 29

Left 3%

Center 97%

Sources: 29

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani missed his third consecutive game on September 6, 2026, due to left knee pain, right biceps discomfort, and neck stiffness. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that placing the designated hitter on the injured list is under active consideration if his physical condition does not improve. Ohtani has experienced a notable offensive decline since resuming his pitching program in August, batting .204 across his last 93 at-bats without a home run in his past 12 games. Despite his recent slump, his full-season statistics remain formidable with a .279 batting average, 30 home runs, and an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA as a pitcher. Major League Baseball rules permit retroactive injured list placements for up to three days, allowing Los Angeles to backdate a potential roster move to cover his recent absences while evaluating his progress following batting practice sessions.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On July 1, 2026 left knee pain began impacting his overall mechanics.
On August 9, 2026 resumed a structured pitching program following initial recovery.
On September 4, 2026 missed the first consecutive game due to discomfort.
On September 5, 2026 sidelined for second straight game amid mounting concerns.
On September 6, 2026 missed a third consecutive game against the Nationals.
On September 6, 2026 Dave Roberts addressed potential injured list considerations publicly.
On September 6, 2026 performed batting practice inside the cage for evaluation.
Expected future development within the coming week regarding roster decisions.
Expected future evaluation regarding pitching workload adjustments for remainder.
Expected future performance recovery following potential physical rest periods.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Dodgers roster adjustments affect national championship odds and standings.
Possible long-term US impact: Injury management influences Ohtani's multi-year two-way career viability.
Most affected groups: Los Angeles Dodgers organization, fans, and fantasy baseball managers.
Reader priority: Track official team announcements regarding roster moves and updates.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 29
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 28

Explain Framing

Left: Focuses primarily on team caution and player health protection. Center: Reports factual manager statements regarding active roster evaluation decisions. Right: Emphasizes financial impact and performance decline of star player.