Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers has not pitched in a game since July 3, as he continues to manage discomfort in his left knee and right biceps. Despite remaining active in the lineup as a designated hitter, both Ohtani and Dodgers management acknowledge that his recovery has been slower than anticipated, raising questions about the best path forward for his rehabilitation.
Ohtani publicly addressed his arm issue for the first time since before the All-Star break, revealing that his biceps is not fully healed and that the injury shares similarities with his ongoing knee problem. The pitcher and hitter received an Orthovisc injection in his knee on July 12 and voluntarily skipped All-Star Game events to focus on recovery. However, Ohtani’s throwing program has stalled after the Dodgers canceled a bullpen session intended to follow a 30-pitch side session on July 22. Manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Ohtani pitching again this season but noted the challenges of rebuilding arm strength after several weeks off.
“We are getting closer to that,” Roberts said, referring to Ohtani’s return to pitching. “You know, he’s a starting pitcher, and then, when you start missing three, four, five weeks of that buildup, then you’ve got to kind of start up again.” Both Roberts and Ohtani stated that the team has not seriously considered shutting down Ohtani from pitching, with Roberts calling such a move “highly unlikely” at this point.
Ohtani himself acknowledged the uncertainty around his pitching future this season, emphasizing that healing his knee remains the top priority. “I don’t think the team has really come to a place exactly where, ‘Do I pitch through it or not?’ That’s still really up in the air,” he said through an interpreter.
Though Ohtani continues to contribute offensively, he admitted his knee injuries have affected his speed and base-running confidence. Manager Roberts suggested that the knee issue might be impacting Ohtani’s arm as well, noting the interplay between lower-body health and upper-body performance. Roberts said the team is aiming to address the knee first to prevent further strain on Ohtani’s throwing arm.
The Dodgers currently hold an 11 ½-game lead in the National League West, lessening the immediate pressure on Ohtani to return to pitching before he is fully ready. Ohtani indicated he wants to be healthy by late September or the postseason, but he understands the importance of managing his injuries carefully.
In related roster news, utility player Kiké Hernández was activated after recovering from a grade 3 oblique strain and recent offseason elbow surgery. Roberto remains hopeful about the contribution Hernández can provide as he regains game readiness. Closer Edwin Díaz is also expected to return to the active roster following right elbow surgery, with his activation scheduled to coincide with a fan event. Catcher Will Smith, sidelined since early June with a neck injury, has resumed baseball activities pain-free. Pitcher Tyler Glasnow, recovering from a back issue, was scheduled to throw a live session soon.
As Ohtani’s situation evolves, the Dodgers appear focused on balancing his desire to contribute with the necessity of preserving his long-term health, recognizing the potential risks of rushing his return.