Ohtani says he will pitch again next season

Surgery calls on knee, bicep still undecided

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

Shohei Ohtani, when asked if he plans to pitch next season: "Yes, definitely," he said through an interpreter. "And lo Via @Alden_Gonzalez on X

What happened: The commitment came after elimination from the 2026 postseason. He spoke through an interpreter and added he looks forward to a better season next year.

Why it matters: The pledge settles his two-way role entering the offseason. It follows an October when the league-wide playoff average sat at .212 and his first homer since Aug. 18 came with the Dodgers facing a sweep.

By the numbers: League playoff average: .212 in October. Ohtani home runs: first since Aug. 18, hit in NLCS Game 4. Series state: Brewers led 3-0 entering Game 4; Dodgers eliminated.

What to watch: Decisions on knee and bicep surgery and details of his offseason throwing progression are next.

Sources

@Alden_Gonzalez 2026-10-16T04:43:22.503086+00:00

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