SHOHEI OHTANI has been handed a major injury boost after the Los Angeles Dodgers confirmed he will not require surgery.

The Japanese superstar, 32, battled problems with his left knee and right bicep during the second half of the 2026 MLB season.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has revealed doctors have prescribed rest rather than surgery, with Ohtani expected to be fully involved in next year’s campaign.

Friedman said: “I fully expect him to pitch next year.”

Ohtani was attempting his first full season as both a pitcher and hitter in three years, but injury problems prevented him from pitching beyond July 3.

He had impressed on the mound before his setback, recording eight wins and two losses across 14 starts.

However, physical struggles eventually affected his batting form, with the three-time MVP – suffering 29 strikeouts in his final 70 regular-season.

His difficulties continued into the playoffs, where he recorded just four hits in his first 22 attempts before finally ending his home run drought against the Milwaukee Brewers.

But his return to form came too late as the Dodgers were swept by the Brewers in the National League Championship Series.

Following their elimination, Ohtani admitted he was “not quite satisfied with how things shaped up on the pitching side”.

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The Dodgers now face a major decision over how to manage Ohtani next season, with Friedman admitting the demands of Ohtani’s two-way role present an unprecedented challenge.

He added: “We don’t have any experience to draw from.”

The Dodgers could delay his return to pitching or introduce additional rest days to ensure he remains fit for another postseason push.