Dodgers Brace for Ohtani’s Absence: Who’s Ready to Step In? — AI-generated editorial illustration
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Dodgers Brace for Ohtani’s Absence: Who’s Ready to Step In?

By Kevin Clifford
September 4, 2026 2 Min Read
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When Shohei Ohtani’s knee and biceps injuries threaten to sideline him for the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers must look beyond their star’s dual‑role brilliance. The team’s depth chart offers a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young arms who could step into the spotlight if Ohtani needs an IL stint.

Ohtani’s Injury Landscape

Reports indicate that Ohtani’s knee and biceps are showing signs of wear, raising concerns that he might not pitch again this year. The Dodgers’ medical staff has suggested a possible IL placement to allow him to rest and recover fully, a move that would leave a significant gap in both pitching and hitting.

Veteran Backup: Clayton Kershaw

With his experience and proven track record, Clayton Kershaw remains the Dodgers’ most reliable option. Kershaw’s ability to command the strike zone and his familiarity with the team’s pitching philosophy make him a natural first choice to fill the void.

Emerging Talent: Julio Urias

Julio Urias has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited appearances. His fastball velocity and developing secondary pitches could provide the necessary depth if the team needs a fresh arm on the mound.

Arm of the Future: Blake Treinen

Blake Treinen’s youth and potential make him a long‑term solution. While he may need more seasoning, his arm strength and pitching mechanics suggest he could grow into a reliable starter or reliever over the next few seasons.

Strategic Roster Moves

The Dodgers may also consider shuffling their bullpen or calling up a prospect from the minors to keep the rotation balanced. The organization’s depth in pitching talent gives them flexibility to adapt to Ohtani’s potential absence.

What This Means for the Dodgers

Ohtani’s dual role has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ success. A prolonged absence would test the team’s resilience and depth. However, the roster’s blend of experience and emerging talent provides a solid foundation to weather the storm.

Source: Fox Sports

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Author

Kevin Clifford

Kevin Clifford is an investigative journalist from Two Dot, Montana, known for his remarkably accurate coverage of international conflicts, humanitarian crises, and unexplained events. Unknown to the public, Kevin is virtually invincible and possesses the ability to generate and manipulate powerful magnetic fields. These abilities allow him to stop weapons, move metal objects, disrupt machinery, and protect others from danger—but they also interfere with cameras and electronic equipment. As a result, every photograph or video taken near him contains strange distortions, static, discoloration, or missing details, making clear evidence of his actions impossible to obtain. To the world, Kevin is simply a determined reporter with unusually defective footage; to his closest friends, he is a hidden guardian who uses journalism to uncover threats and magnetism to stop them.

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