Shohei Ohtani’s ongoing left knee problem has thrown a wrench into the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching plans. Attempts to bring him back to the mound faced another hurdle after he experienced discomfort during recent practice sessions. While Ohtani remains active as a designated hitter, his ability to pitch this season is now in serious question, casting a shadow over the Dodgers' game strategy.
Impact on MVP Betting Markets
This development has echoed strongly in the 2026 National League MVP race. Ohtani’s chances of claiming the award have dropped from 76% to 70% just within the past day, according to market data. The shift reflects growing skepticism around his capacity to maintain his standout dual-role performance both pitching and hitting given the knee setback.
Ohtani’s unique value comes from his rare combination of pitching dominance and offensive contributions. Losing his presence on the mound could diminish his overall impact, tilting the MVP race in favor of contenders like Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr., who are steadily making their cases.
Uncertainty Surrounds Dodgers' Next Moves
Details on when Ohtani might fully recover and pitch again remain undisclosed by both the Dodgers and his management. The situation leaves fans and analysts guessing how much longer the star athlete will be limited to hitting duties. This uncertainty complicates the Dodgers’ roster management and planning for the rest of the season.
Given the tight competition among MVP candidates, even a few weeks sidelined from pitching could be critical. Market watchers will be closely tracking any new information from the Dodgers about Ohtani’s health trajectory. Meanwhile, performances from other leading players may also influence how the MVP odds shift moving forward.
This article is for informational purposes and is not financial advice.
