Dodgers Game Today: Ohtani Wrist Update & Nationals Series

Friday's Dodgers game carries more weight than a typical early-season road opener. Los Angeles heads to Washington on April 3, 2026, for a three-game series against the Nationals — but all eyes are less on the box score and more on the right wrist of the most important player in baseball. Shohei Ohtani was spotted shaking his wrist after a strikeout in Wednesday's 4-1 loss to Cleveland, and as of Friday morning, no official medical update has been issued. That single gesture has set Dodger Nation on edge heading into this road trip.

Dodgers vs. Nationals: Game Preview for April 3, 2026

The Los Angeles Dodgers (4-2) open a three-game road series at Nationals Park against the Washington Nationals (3-3) on Friday afternoon. It's an early test of how the reigning champions handle adversity on the road — and potentially without Ohtani performing at full capacity.

On the mound for Los Angeles, Emmet Sheehan gets the start. The young right-hander carries a 0-0 record with a 10.80 ERA through the early part of the season, making this a critical outing for his development and for a Dodgers rotation that is already stretched thin. For Washington, Miles Mikolas takes the ball at 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA — meaning neither starter has found early-season consistency. This game has the feel of a matchup where the bullpens could play a decisive role.

The Nationals come in at .500 and represent a winnable series for the Dodgers on paper, but early-season road trips can be tricky, especially when a franchise player's health is in question.

Shohei Ohtani's Right Wrist: What We Know So Far

The biggest story heading into Friday isn't the pitching matchup — it's the health of Shohei Ohtani. During Wednesday night's 4-1 loss to Cleveland, Ohtani was visibly shaking his right wrist after a strikeout. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed he noticed the moment and said he would seek a medical report. As of Thursday morning, no official update had been provided.

Ohtani declined to speak with reporters after Wednesday's game, which only amplified concern. In the loss, he went 0-for-3 with a walk, two strikeouts, and grounded into a double play — a rare rough night at the plate that, combined with the wrist gesture, set off alarm bells across the league.

The stakes could not be higher. Ohtani is currently scheduled to make his second pitching start of the 2026 season on April 8 against the Toronto Blue Jays. If there is any structural concern with his right wrist — his throwing hand — that start could be in jeopardy. The Dodgers and their fanbase will be anxiously watching for updates when the clubhouse opens Friday.

Earlier on Wednesday, Ohtani took an unusual field batting practice session that prompted Roberts to cancel BP for the rest of the team — a detail that, in hindsight, has raised additional questions about whether something was already feeling off.

Fans looking to show their support through the uncertainty can gear up with Shohei Ohtani Dodgers Jersey or grab a Los Angeles Dodgers hat to rep the team through the highs and lows of the season.

A Banged-Up Roster: The Dodgers' Injury List Is Already Long

The Ohtani wrist scare arrives at the worst possible time for a Dodgers roster that is already dealing with significant depth concerns. Los Angeles currently has 10 players on the injured list, including some notable names:

• Blake Snell — the left-handed ace remains sidelined, putting extra pressure on the rotation
• Tommy Edman — the versatile infielder/outfielder is out, limiting lineup flexibility
• Brusdar Graterol — the hard-throwing reliever is unavailable, thinning the bullpen

With 10 players already on the IL, the Dodgers simply cannot afford another major injury — least of all to Ohtani. Last season, Los Angeles went 93-69 overall, scoring 5.1 runs per game while allowing just 4.2. That offensive and pitching balance was built, in large part, around Ohtani's two-way contributions. A prolonged absence would fundamentally alter what this team can do in 2026.

For fans following the team closely, a Dodgers 2026 schedule poster is a great way to track the road ahead as the season unfolds.

The Cleveland Series: Drama Beyond the Scoreboard

The Dodgers' two-game set in Cleveland earlier this week produced more drama than the results alone suggest. In Tuesday's game, Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter suffered a left foot contusion after fouling a Shohei Ohtani fastball off his back foot. X-rays came back negative, providing some relief, but the moment drew widespread attention across the league. The MLB world reacted quickly to the alarming scene, as DeLauter crumpled to the ground before eventually being evaluated.

Wednesday's rematch saw the Guardians win 4-1, with Ohtani struggling at the plate and then drawing attention for the wrist shake postgame. In a stretch of just 48 hours, Ohtani was connected to two separate injury scares — one to an opponent, one potentially to himself. It's been a turbulent week for baseball's biggest star.

Meanwhile, a Dodgers World Series champion sent a message to the Blue Jays ahead of the upcoming April 8 matchup, a game now carrying even more significance given Ohtani's scheduled pitching start that day.

What to Watch in the Dodgers-Nationals Series

Beyond the Ohtani storyline, here's what to track over the three-game series in Washington:

• Emmet Sheehan's development: With the rotation under pressure, Sheehan needs to show he can eat innings and limit damage. His 10.80 ERA is unsustainable for a team with World Series aspirations.
• Lineup construction without full health: How does Dave Roberts configure a lineup that maximizes production while managing an injured Ohtani — or potentially resting him?
• Bullpen usage: Without Graterol and potentially other relievers on the IL, the pen will be tested early if starters struggle.
• Nationals offense: Washington enters at 3-3 and will look to make a statement at home. Keep an eye on their early-season run producers.
• Official Ohtani update: The most important development won't happen on the field — it'll be whatever the Dodgers' medical staff reports when the clubhouse opens Friday.

Watching the game from home? A MLB TV streaming device or a comfortable Dodgers recliner chair makes the experience that much better for die-hard fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do the Dodgers play today, April 3, 2026?

The Los Angeles Dodgers face the Washington Nationals on April 3, 2026, in the first game of a three-game road series at Nationals Park. Check your local listings or ESPN's game preview for the exact start time and broadcast channel in your area.

Who is pitching for the Dodgers today?

Emmet Sheehan gets the start for Los Angeles on April 3. He enters the game with a 0-0 record and a 10.80 ERA. Miles Mikolas starts for Washington, carrying a 0-1 record and a 7.20 ERA.

Is Shohei Ohtani injured?

As of Friday morning, there is no confirmed injury. However, Ohtani was seen shaking his right wrist after a strikeout in Wednesday's 4-1 loss to Cleveland. Manager Dave Roberts said he noticed it and planned to seek a medical report. Ohtani declined to speak with reporters after the game, and no official update had been issued by Thursday morning. An update is expected when the Dodgers' clubhouse opens Friday.

When is Shohei Ohtani's next pitching start?

Ohtani is currently scheduled to pitch on April 8, 2026, against the Toronto Blue Jays. Whether that start remains on track depends on the outcome of the medical evaluation of his right wrist.

How are the Dodgers performing so far in 2026?

The Dodgers are 4-2 through their first six games of the 2026 season. They are dealing with 10 players on the injured list, including Blake Snell, Tommy Edman, and Brusdar Graterol. Last season, the team went 93-69 and won the World Series, scoring 5.1 runs per game.

Conclusion

Friday's game in Washington is about more than two early-season records. For Dodgers fans, the three-game series against the Nationals begins a road trip with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over it — specifically, whether Shohei Ohtani's right wrist is healthy enough to allow him to continue performing at the level that makes Los Angeles the team to beat in the National League. The official update, expected when the clubhouse opens Friday, will define the narrative of this entire road trip and potentially the team's early-season trajectory.

Emmet Sheehan has an opportunity to step up in a meaningful spot. The offense needs to carry the load. And the Dodgers, for all their World Series pedigree, will be reminded that in baseball, no lead — and no player — is ever completely safe. Stay tuned to official team channels and trusted sources for the latest on Ohtani and the Dodgers' 2026 season.