The Los Angeles Dodgers had been hopeful that two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani could make another bullpen session on Saturday. It's been a while since Ohtani has pitched in a starting role, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was hoping to have him back soon.

Unfortunately, any chances of Ohtani getting back in a game as a starting pitcher have been moved back.

According to a post on X from New York Post longtime MLB Insider Jon Heyman, Roberts announced on Saturday afternoon that Ohtani's bullpen session was cut out.

Heyman wrote, "Shohei Ohtani’s pen session scheduled for today was postponed as he didn’t feel great in his last one. Dave Roberts said he still believes Ohtani will pitch again this season. And while the delay is 'a bummer,' Roberts said that’s he’s going to be the MVP, regardless."

There has been some concern around Ohtani's health after he missed the MLB All-Star Game due to inflammation in his left knee. Apparently, there has been some regression in Ohtani's processing to get back on the mound.

It should be noted, though, that Ohtani has been taking at-bats in ballgames as a designated hitter a lot of the time. So, it's not like Ohtani cannot play for the National League West Division-leading Dodgers.

He just is not 100 percent to be ready as a starting pitcher in Roberts' pitching rotation.

Dodgers beat writer Jack Harris of the California Post added a little more insight into the Ohtani situation in a post on X from him.

"The Dodgers were hoping Shohei Ohtani would be able to throw another bullpen today, but it didn’t happen," Harris wrote. "Dave Roberts said there’s been some 'regression' with Ohtani’s knee since his ‘pen earlier this week. TBD on his next steps".

Roberts does think that Ohtani will return to the mound at some point this season. One reason that the Dodgers have no real need to push Ohtani back is that they have a pretty nice lead in the National League West Division standings.

If the Dodgers were being threatened more in the division, then Roberts possibly could have seen if Ohtani could have been ready by now. Yet Roberts knows that his superstar player needs to take enough time to heal from having injections into his left knee.

Los Angeles is looking to become the first three-peat World Series champions since the New York Yankees pulled it off. It probably would please Dodgers fans to have their ballclub mentioned alongside their longtime rivals in the American League.

Right now, the Dodgers are going to wrap up their three-game weekend series against the New York Mets on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field.

For now, there should not be real urgency to push Ohtani back to the mound before he is fully comfortable and fully ready.

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!