Shohei Ohtani Avoids Another Injury Scare — Dodgers Star Back in Lineup After Late Scratch

The panic lasted less than 24 hours.

After the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled Shohei Ohtani from Friday’s lineup against the Chicago White Sox at the last minute, fans braced for the worst. The superstar had been managing a nagging knee issue, and when his name disappeared from the starting nine just before first pitch, social media lit up with concern.

But Saturday brought a different story. Ohtani is batting leadoff again, and the Dodgers’ dugout can breathe easy.

According to Jack Harris of The California Post, Ohtani was reinstated in the lineup for Saturday’s matchup, hitting first and serving as the designated hitter. Harris posted the update on X, writing: “Shohei Ohtani is back in the Dodgers lineup today.”

That one sentence effectively ended a wave of worry that had swept through Dodgers nation. A team that relies on Ohtani’s elite bat — and, later this season, his arm — cannot afford extended time without him, especially with the postseason looming.

What Happened Friday

Friday’s scratch came without much explanation. The team initially listed Ohtani as a starter, then swapped him out minutes before the game. No press release. No detailed injury update. Just a quiet move that sent fans and bettors scrambling.

The Dodgers have not confirmed the exact nature of the knee issue, but team insiders have described it as precautionary. Ohtani dealt with a similar flare-up earlier this month and missed a handful of at-bats before returning to form.

Why This Matters

Ohtani isn’t just any player. He’s the most unique talent baseball has seen in decades — a legitimate MVP candidate at the plate and an ace on the mound. The Dodgers invested heavily in him not just for 2026, but for a championship window that relies on his health.

If the knee becomes a recurring problem, it could force the team to reconsider his two-way workload. For now, though, Saturday’s return suggests the scare was just that — a scare.

Fans online noted the swift turnaround and expressed relief. One commenter wrote: “Thank God. I was ready to panic.” Another joked: “Ohtani taking a mental health day? Fine by me.”

More updates on Ohtani’s condition are expected as the series continues. But for one afternoon in Chicago, the biggest concern in the Dodgers clubhouse is winning a game, not losing a star.