Some of the likely playoff-bound teams were in the injury-related news on September 2. The Red Sox pulled Ceddanne Rafaela early, while the Cubs saw Justin Steele make his long-awaited return to the mound. As for the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani’s potential return to the mound got murkier.
Ohtani uncertain to pitch again in 2026
The big news of the day from the injury front was in Los Angeles. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted that it’s uncertain at this time whether Ohtani will be able to pitch during the playoffs. As of now, Ohtani’s been shut down on that front for a week.
Roberts also noted his importance to the club’s offense. But as of now, no decision has been made as to whether Ohtani will pitch again this year.
Rafaela exits
Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela was removed early due to quad tightness.
Manager Chad Tracy indicated the club wanted to get Rafaela off the field early, as Rafaela was dealing playing through the quad injury.
IL moves
The Dodgers placed pitcher Eric Lauer on the 15-day IL with left elbow inflammation.
Additionally, pitcher Will Klein (elbow discomfort) was transferred to the 60-day IL.
Michael Massey (Royals), James Wood (Nationals), Griffin Jax (Rays), Davis Martin (White Sox), Blake Treinen (Dodgers), and Justin Hagenman (Mets) were activated off the injured list.
Rehab assignments
For the first time since elbow surgery back in April 2025, Justin Steele was on the mound for an official game on September 2. Steele struck out two over 1.2 IP for Triple-A Iowa over 36 pitches. Steele averaged 90 MPH and topped out at 92 MPH.
Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin went 2-for-4 with a walk and a strikeout for Triple-A Indianapolis.
Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt struck out three over two innings (23 pitches) for Triple-A Scranton, allowing one run. Schmidt averaged 94 MPH and topped out at 95 MPH during his outing.
White Sox reliever Huascar Brazoban went one scoreless inning for Triple-A Charlotte.
Dodgers pitcher Jake Cousins struck out one over one scoreless inning for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Nationals pitcher Josiah Gray threw a scoreless inning (nine pitches) for Double-A Harrisburg.
Other notes
Cubs pitcher Jacob Webb was pulled after he was hit with a line drive.
Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet will throw a bullpen session on September 4.
Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz was removed from the club’s game against the Braves due to a head injury sustained off a foul tip that went off his mask. Per manager Blake Butera, Ruiz did not suffer a concussion.
Pedro Ramirez (back) and Adley Rutschman (elbow) remained out on September 2.
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