Shohei Ohtani Expected to Return to Dodgers Lineup Wednesday

Shohei Ohtani is expected to return to the Dodgers lineup Wednesday after missing time with biceps and knee pain.

Shohei Ohtani is expected to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Wednesday for a series against the San Diego Padres, marking the first day he is eligible for activation from the injured list. Manager Dave Roberts described the 32-year-old as "considerably" healthier, rating him an eight or nine on a 10-point scale. Ohtani had been sidelined since Sept. 8 due to lingering pain in his right biceps and left knee. Before the injury, he struggled at the plate, recording seven hits and 22 strikeouts in his previous 54 at-bats.

To prepare for his return, Ohtani completed a hitting progression seven days ago that included 40 swings against a Trajekt pitching simulator and base running. While he will only serve as a hitter for the remainder of the season, Roberts plans to play him in all five remaining regular-season games. Ohtani is likely to lead off against right-handed pitchers, though Mookie Betts, who is hitting .373/.468/.746 in September, may lead off against left-handers.

In corresponding roster moves, the Dodgers activated right-hander Roki Sasaki and center fielder Andy Pages on Tuesday. Sasaki returns from an Aug. 26 blister injury to join the bullpen, while Pages returns to the field after fracturing his left hand on Aug. 22. The team is also monitoring backup catcher Dalton Rushing, who is recovering from an elbow injury, and prospect Josue De Paula, who hit for a .388 on-base percentage in 38 plate appearances during Ohtani's absence.