Shohei Ohtani enters the final phase of his throwing progression, aiming to bolster the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation before the postseason begins.
The Los Angeles Dodgers expect Shohei Ohtani to return to the mound in September as long as he avoids setbacks involving his lingering left knee and right biceps issues.
According to Bob Nightengale from USA TODAY, the organization believes Ohtani will pitch again before the regular season ends.
The update comes as the two-way star continues a careful progression following more than a month away from game action as a pitcher.
Ohtani last pitched July 3 against the San Diego Padres, throwing six innings and a season-high 110 pitches to get a no-decision in a 4-3 Dodgers victory.
He gave up three runs on seven hits (one home run) with nine strikeouts and two walks but then experienced right biceps discomfort during an at-bat and has not pitched since.
His left knee inflammation first surfaced in mid-June and affected his mechanics, contributing to the biceps tightness as he compensated. Ohtani received a lubricant injection in the knee around the All-Star break to reduce the discomfort.
Ohtani’s stats this season
Despite being unavailable to pitch, Ohtani has remained the Dodgers’ designated hitter.
He enters Sunday hitting .289 with 27 home runs, 75 RBIs, and a .931 OPS in 114 games.
On the mound, Ohtani is 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 85.2 innings over 14 starts. He recorded 95 strikeouts against 26 walks before being shut down.
Los Angeles has prioritized Ohtani’s long-term health and readiness for October. Manager Dave Roberts has repeatedly indicated that Ohtani and the training staff are determining the timeline.
Ohtani resumed throwing in early August following a multiweek pause. He progressed to long toss beyond 200 feet and recently completed bullpen sessions, including a 34-pitch session featuring his full repertoire under the observation of front-office personnel.
The next steps
General manager Brandon Gomes believes Ohtani can still pitch in a MLB game before the regular season ends.
If he continues responding without additional soreness, the next steps include more bullpen sessions, live batting practice and a gradual workload increase.
A September return would give Ohtani several appearances to rebuild arm strength and stamina before the postseason.
The Dodgers have previously used him as an opener during comeback attempts, initially limiting him to one or two innings before gradually expanding his workload.
Los Angeles enters the final six weeks of the season leading the National League West at 74-50, eight games ahead of both the Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Ohtani’s value
Even a limited pitching return significant. Ohtani’s adaptability allows the Dodgers to use him differently from a traditional starter without reducing his overall value.
Few players can remain an elite everyday offensive threat while simultaneously preparing to contribute on the mound.
Ohtani’s discipline throughout the rehabilitation process is equally important. Ohtani understands that returning too quickly could cause him to alter his delivery again and potentially create additional arm strain.
As a four-time MVP who entered the season pursuing elite offensive production and a potential Cy Young-caliber campaign, his pitching interruption has complicated those ambitions.
However, if Ohtani returns to the mound during the first half of September, the Dodgers would have enough time to progressively increase his pitch count and keep his bat in the lineup.
A healthy Ohtani could still become one of Los Angeles’ most important weapons in October.
