Shohei Ohtani remains active on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ roster but continues to see playing time almost exclusively as a designated hitter due to a left-knee injury. His absence from the mound has raised questions about whether he will resume pitching this season, fueling speculation about how the Dodgers intend to manage his health moving forward.
Despite the limited role, the team has kept Ohtani on the active roster, signaling they want to keep options open as the season unfolds. However, the uncertainty surrounding his pitching status has already affected betting markets. The chance of Ohtani winning the 2026 National League MVP award dropped from 60% to roughly 51.5% within a day, a significant decline reflecting growing doubts among bettors.
Market reactions underline growing concerns
The New York Post’s recent coverage of Ohtani’s condition appears to have contributed to shifts in market confidence. Analysts note that his ongoing role as primarily a hitter aligns with fears he may not return to his rare two-way role anytime soon. How the Dodgers handle his knee injury and roster spot will be closely watched by fans and market observers alike.
Updates on Ohtani’s recovery timeline and any announcements about a pitching comeback could shift market dynamics once more. Meanwhile, changes in MVP voting or league standings might provide additional clues about his standing this season.
This article is informational and does not constitute financial advice.
