Dodgers manager Roberts expects Ohtani to get the at-bats he needs for playoffs by season's end

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Shohei Ohtani doesn't need to put up huge numbers in October for Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to be thrilled with his success following his latest injury absence.

Having two two-way star healthy and in the Los Angeles lineup as the leadoff batter will be plenty — and Roberts plans to monitor Ohtani's workload to ensure that can happen.

The defending World Series champions will have five days off during the wild-card rounds as they await their first-round playoff opponent, and that will allow Ohtani to prepare with baseball activities such as simulated at-bats while getting ample rest.

Roberts trusts Ohtani — a four-time MVP, including each of his first two seasons with the Dodgers — to manage his own workload, and the manager isn't planning daily check-ins with him. Instead, he will occasionally ask how the Japanese star is feeling physically — while leaving much of that communication to Ohtani and the training staff.

“We need him to be full strength and also do what he does, take good at-bats, take what they give you, if they're going to pitch around you to pitch to Mookie (Betts), so be it,” Roberts said. “And if they make mistakes, then hit it hard. We need him to be healthy and strong. It certainly helps our offense.”

As the Dodgers began a season-ending series at San Francisco on Friday night, Ohtani played his third consecutive game since returning Wednesday against San Diego from a 13-game stint on the injured list with right biceps discomfort. He entered the night batting .278 with 30 home runs and 81 RBIs.

Ohtani went 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 mound starts, but he will not pitch again this year because of his injuries. That means he won't get the chance to repeat his extraordinary individual effort from last season, when he pitched six scoreless innings and homered three times in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series against Milwaukee.

Getting Ohtani in the lineup for five straight games to conclude the regular season with 20 to 23 at-bats is what Roberts considers enough for him to be ready for the postseason.

“I think that'll be great,” said Roberts, noting he is happy with the slugger's return so far. “He looked the way I would have hoped. I was hoping he would look like this. I said it yesterday, it's been very encouraging to see his at-bats and the swings.”

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Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani heads to first for a single during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, holds his batting guard in his teeth after hitting a single as he waits for a batboy to take it while San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France stands by during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani heads to first for a double during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, gestures after hitting a double as San Diego Padres second baseman Sung-Mun Song looks on during the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

DETROIT (AP) — Spencer Torkelson finished a single short of the cycle, Jackson Jobe allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings and the Detroit Tigers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-7 on Friday night after nearly wasting a six-run lead.

Detroit led 8-2 after seven innings, but RBI singles by Nick Gonzales and Ryan O’Hearn and a three-run homer by Rafael Flores Jr. pulled the Pirates within one run in the eighth.

Torkelson got some help from the Pirates defense - his second-inning triple was a sinking liner to right that evaded a diving Jake Mangum, and his double was a routine fly ball to shallow right-center that fell untouched among three fielders. He hit his 26th homer in the seventh and was on deck when the Tigers made the final out of the eighth.

Pittsburgh (81-79) needs one win for its first winning season since 2018.

Jobe (3-3) allowed three hits and two walks while striking out eight. He returned in August from Tommy John surgery and finished with a 3.91 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 46 innings.

Kenley Jansen pitched the ninth for his 498th save, his 22nd in 28 chances this season.

Bubba Chandler (9-9) gave up six runs, four hits and four walks in 2 2/3 innings.

Dillon Dingler had a two-run single, raising his career-high RBIs total to 91.

The game started 30 minutes late because of lengthy ceremonies honoring Justin Verlander on the eve of his final MLB start.

Verlander (0-1, 12.27) makes his first start at Comerica Park since Aug. 20, 2017, when he beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-1.

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Detroit Tigers' Jackson Jobe pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Detroit Tigers' Dillon Dingler singles to drive in two runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Pittsburgh Pirates' Oneil Cruz dives into home plate to score against the Detroit Tigers on a single hit by Ryan O'Hearn during the second inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Detroit Tigers' Spencer Torkelson celebrates after his solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)