Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani two-way status under threat like never before

Shohei Ohtani has returned to the place in which he’s spent much of his career. Backed into a corner. In a fight to protect his identity as a two-way player Only this time, the instrument Ohtani used to overcome his previous obstacles has become his greatest impediment. His body is breaking down. Never before has his status as a two-way player been threatened to this degree, and Ohtani has to know that. This could be the beginning of the end. Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani looks on while walking to the dugout after striking out during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Wednesday, August 5, 2026. AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh A season in which he was expected to scale unprecedented heights as a pitcher has instead turned into a season of