The Los Angeles Dodgers are getting their star back.
Shohei Ohtani is in the lineup as the designated hitter for the series opener against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night.
Ohtani missed his fourth consecutive game on Sunday night against the Nationals with left knee and right biceps discomfort. But Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Sunday that he saw Monday's game as Ohtani's possible return.
Roberts added that while Ohtani's return to the mound has not been officially ruled out, it's unlikely he will pitch again this season.
Before this stint away, the two-way star had never missed more than two straight games since signing his 10-year, $700-million contract with the Dodgers in 2024.
Ohtani went just 7 for 51 (.137) with one home run over 13 games before sitting out. He struck out a season-high four times against the St. Louis Cardinals in the last game he played in on Wednesday.
Winner of three consecutive league MVP awards, Ohtani is having a down year by his lofty standards. However, the 32-year-old slugger still has 30 home runs, 80 RBIs, 11 stolen bases and a .279/.381/.525 slash line.
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