Ohtani’s Cy Young Hopes Hinge on Knee Health

A Season Built on Two‑Way Mastery

Shohei Ohtani arrived in Los Angeles ahead of the 2024 campaign with a reputation for turning goals into trophies. In two years with the Dodgers he collected two MVP awards and helped the franchise capture back‑to‑back World Series titles. His 2025 NLCS Game 4 performance—three home runs and six scoreless innings—has been hailed as the greatest single‑game show in MLB history. That surge set up a fresh quest for 2026: a long‑ Desired Cy Young Award.

When the Knee Became the New Obstacle

Ohtani’s 2026 run dissolved quickly after a left‑knee flare‑up was reported on Sunday. Manager Dave Roberts said the ace would miss his next scheduled start and that recovery “would take some time” and was “not a day‑to‑day thing.” The issue dates back to June 11, when a subpar outing against Pittsburgh prompted a mid‑game removal. The Dodgers eventually convinced him to sit out the final pre‑All‑Star start, and he missed the All‑Star festivities in Philadelphia. An Orthovisc injection was administered, but a return to the mound remains unclear.

Pitching Numbers Tell the Story

Before the knee trouble, Ohtani posted a 1.79 ERA with 95 strikeouts over 85 2⁄3 innings. He allowed just four home runs and gave up more than three runs only once all season. Those figures trailed those of Jacob Misiorowski, a pitcher known for his lean frame, even though Ohtani logged far fewer innings. The gap made a Cy Young award seem out of reach, and now the injury pushes it further from view.

Dodgers’ Strategy Without Their Star Pitcher

Los Angeles moved to a six‑man rotation earlier in the year to keep its arms fresh for the playoffs. With Ohtani confined to the bullpen and designated hitter role, the team must adjust its pitching depth. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman noted Ohtani’s “mission‑oriented” mindset during spring training, a focus that had already produced elite results. The club will now rely on its rotation depth to maintain playoff hopes.

A Brief Moment of On‑Field Activity

Late Monday, Ohtani appeared at Citizens Bank Park working catch and long‑tossing from the windup, seemingly unaffected by the knee problem. He later connected with Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez, suggesting he is maintaining his mechanics. The informal session offered a glimpse that his arm remains sound despite the leg issue. Whether this signals a return to pitching soon remains uncertain.

The Bigger Picture: Ohtani vs. Himself

Beyond statistics, Ohtani’s struggle embodies a larger narrative: a player of limitless talent limited by his own body. He has repeatedly pushed baseball’s conventions, but now the only opponent left is internal. While his bat continues to deliver, the pursuit of a Cy Young—once a central goal—now hangs in the balance. The next chapters will reveal whether the Dodgers can coax their injured ace back onto the mound or whether the season will close with another unattainable dream.