Shohei Ohtani skipped a scheduled bullpen session on July 25 as the Dodgers delayed his return to the mound, with manager Dave Roberts citing a little bit of regression
in the pitcher’s left knee following a prior workout.
Ohtani, the Dodgers’ two-way star, was set to throw a bullpen session on Saturday but instead faced another setback in his recovery from left knee inflammation. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the decision, citing a “regression” in Ohtani’s condition after his last bullpen session on Wednesday. The 32-year-old had been expected to gradually rebuild his strength but now faces further delays, with Roberts emphasizing the team’s cautious approach.
Ohtani’s Knee Struggles Escalate as Dodgers Postpone Mound Return
Roberts revealed that Ohtani’s knee showed a little bit of regression
after his Wednesday bullpen, prompting the Dodgers to cancel Saturday’s session. We’re going to just kick the can on that one,
Roberts said, adding that the team would not rush Ohtani back until he and the coaching staff felt 100% confident.
Timeline of Injuries and Recovery Efforts
Ohtani’s injury timeline reveals a pattern of recurring knee issues. He first dealt with inflammation on June 11, forcing him to exit a game against the Pirates. A subsequent bullpen session on July 10 led to further discomfort, culminating in the decision to skip the All-Star Game. The Dodgers have since focused on managing his recovery, including a procedure to drain fluid from his knee in late July, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Despite the setbacks, Ohtani has remained in the lineup as a designated hitter, maintaining a .286/.392/.527 slash line with 22 home runs and 62 RBIs through 95 games. His pitching stats, however, have dipped. Before the injury, he posted a 1.79 ERA with 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings, but his effectiveness has waned in recent starts. Roberts acknowledged the challenge of balancing Ohtani’s dual roles, stating, It’s not about July, it’s about October.
Dodgers’ Rotation Adjusts as Ohtani’s Future Remains Uncertain
The Dodgers have navigated multiple pitching injuries this season, with Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell also sidelined. Justin Wrobleski and Eric Lauer have stepped up, but the team has yet to find a direct replacement for Ohtani. Roberts emphasized that the club is not considering it a day-to-day thing,
indicating a long-term approach to Ohtani’s recovery. It’s going to take some time,
he said, adding that the team would “remain nimble” as they monitor Ohtani’s progress.
Ohtani’s absence has not derailed the Dodgers’ success, who entered July 26 with a 66-38 record—the best in MLB. However, his potential return to the mound remains a key storyline. Roberts hinted that Ohtani could pitch again this season but stressed that it won’t be next week.
The manager also noted that Ohtani’s next bullpen session would depend on how his knee responds in the coming days, with a “fluid” approach to his rehab.
For now, the focus remains on Ohtani’s knee. The Dodgers have prioritized long-term health over short-term gains, a strategy that aligns with their playoff aspirations. As Roberts put it, Nothing is going to fall in front of being healthy for October.
Whether Ohtani can reclaim his dominant form remains uncertain, but the team’s cautious stance reflects a commitment to ensuring he returns at full strength.
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