Shohei Ohtani
Background
AI-generatedShohei Ohtani is a Japanese professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball, known for excelling as both a pitcher and a power hitter.
Role
Ohtani plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers as a two-way player, batting as a designated hitter and pitching as a starter. He is widely regarded as one of the most versatile players in modern baseball history, drawing comparisons to early 20th-century two-way stars.
Background
Ohtani began his professional career in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league before moving to MLB with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, where he won Rookie of the Year and multiple Most Valuable Player awards while balancing hitting and pitching duties. After a major elbow surgery limited him to hitting for a period, he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the 2024 season on a record-setting contract and continued to earn MVP recognition while gradually returning to pitching.
Why they are in the news
In mid-2026, Ohtani has been in the news due to ongoing physical issues affecting his availability, including a knee problem treated with a lubricant injection ahead of a scheduled start in Philadelphia and a biceps injury that led him to leave a game early and put his participation in the All-Star Game in doubt. These developments have raised questions about his workload management as both a pitcher and hitter.
Background context generated by AI from public knowledge and recent Apprise coverage. Facts may lag current events — see the stories below for the latest.
In the news
▶ 53sShohei Ohtani had lubricant injected into his knee and is likely to pitch Wednesday at Philadelphia
Shohei Ohtani has received a lubricant injection in his left knee, according to Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts
▶ 44sOhtani leaves game against Padres with biceps issue and is unlikely to pitch in All-Star Game
Shohei Ohtani left Friday night's game against the San Diego Padres with a right biceps issue