Ohtani Returns to Dodgers, Completing Roster for World Series Run

The Los Angeles Dodgers now have Shohei Ohtani back in their lineup, marking the first time all season that their full batting order is available.

Ohtani was officially removed from the injured list on Wednesday, just as anticipated. He has returned following a 15-day absence, capitalizing on his eligibility despite ongoing right arm and left knee ailments.

Despite his return, these lingering injuries are expected to affect the two-way star for the remainder of the season. He will not pitch during the postseason and may need to adjust his batting mechanics due to a compromised swing.

He will, however, have five regular-season games remaining to regain his rhythm and recover from an injury-plagued second half of the campaign.

According to manager Dave Roberts, the time away left Ohtani feeling “considerably” better, allowing the Dodgers to bring him back as early as possible and secure a week of at-bats before the playoffs commence.

If this rest can produce any consistent offensive output from Ohtani in October, it would be a significant advantage. Even if his production remains somewhat limited, the rest of the Dodgers’ lineup is fully healthy.

With Ohtani activated on Wednesday, the team finally fielded its preferred starting lineup for the first time all season, synchronizing the health of its top stars just in time for a World Series three-peat bid.

Prior to his stint on the injured list, the four-time MVP was struggling terribly, batting just 6-for-52 and visibly displaying pain while swinging.

Now, the Dodgers are hoping that his two weeks of rest were sufficient to reverse his downward trajectory and spark a late-season turnaround.

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