Shohei Ohtani, a one-way player for the foreseeable future, gives up on a dream ... for now

Shohei Ohtani will not compete for a Cy Young award this season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani is removed from the pitching rotation indefinitely due to persistent left knee discomfort. While Ohtani remains an active participant at the plate as the team’s designated hitter, the impact of his injury is significant enough to prevent his work on the mound.

Ohtani entered the 2026 season with a specific focus on his pitching duties, aiming to capture the elusive Cy Young accolade. His performance during the first half of the year was elite, as he held a 1.79 ERA across 85 2/3 innings. However, the combination of a six-man rotation and his current injury recovery has effectively closed the door on his pursuit of the award this year.

The organization maintains a cautious approach to his recovery. Following a mid-June injury against the Pirates and a recent lubricant injection in his knee, the focus has shifted entirely to long-term health. Ohtani continues to work on his mechanics and throwing motion during practice, but his return to actual game action as a pitcher lacks a definitive timeline.

This development highlights the physical limitations facing even the most distinct talents in baseball. While Ohtani continues to rewrite the standard operating procedures of the sport, his body remains subject to the same wear and tear as any other athlete. He remains a key member of the Dodgers lineup, yet the dream of his first Cy Young season will wait for another year.