Shohei Ohtani returns as Dodgers set for Red Sox opener

Shohei Ohtani is back in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup for Friday’s series opener against the Boston Red Sox, returning to his customary early-in-the-order role as the designated hitter. The update came after Ohtani was held out of Thursday’s series finale against the Seattle Mariners, a game he missed while dealing with a knee issue that has affected his availability on the mound.

For the Dodgers, Ohtani’s return is less about a return to pitching and more about tightening the lineup where they have relied on his run production and ability to set the table. Batting leadoff gives him more at-bats with runners on base, and having him as the DH preserves a day-to-day approach while the team navigates his current limitations.

The immediate context is a quick turnaround from one game to the next, and the Dodgers are treating Ohtani’s knee status as something that can fluctuate within a series. Thursday’s absence at least indicated that the issue was not something the team was willing to push through for a non-essential appearance, particularly given that his recent restriction has kept him off the pitching mound.

Although Ohtani is not returning to the pitcher’s role in this update, the move still matters for a Dodgers lineup that must manage matchups and innings across a long season. When the team can place him back at the top, it reshapes the at-bat flow for the entire group behind him, especially for hitters who benefit from seeing more pitches earlier in the frame and from the pressure created by a leadoff presence.

Against the Red Sox, the Dodgers will bring the same two-way star they have built their brand of offense around, even if the current version of his contribution is focused on hitting rather than pitching. Friday’s lineup confirmation also provides a clearer picture of the team’s near-term plan, which appears to prioritize keeping him in the lineup while his knee issue remains a controlling factor.

What to watch next is whether Ohtani’s role evolves as the week goes on. The team has already demonstrated it is willing to sit him when the knee-related problem affects participation, and it has now shown it can bring him back quickly at the plate. If he continues to appear as the leadoff designated hitter, Los Angeles gains stability in its offensive identity; if the team again holds him out, it will underscore that the knee issue is still driving daily decisions.