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Shohei Ohtani pitching update gives anxious Dodgers fans a clearer picture of his return
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Shohei Ohtani initiated a throwing program over the weekend as he works back from a knee issue.
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Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the two way star will gradually ramp up his pitching workload this week.
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Los Angeles avoids a minor league rehab assignment keeping Ohtani’s recovery focused with the big league club.
The Los Angeles Dodgers provided an encouraging update regarding two way superstar Shohei Ohtani ahead of their series against the Kansas City Royals. Ohtani has been sidelined from pitching duties for the past month due to a nagging knee issue that prevented him from taking the mound. While the franchise has exercised extreme caution to ensure he is fully healthy for a potential postseason run the Japanese star has remained a staple in the starting lineup as the team’s primary designated hitter.
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Resuming the throwing program at the major league level
The recovery process took a positive turn over the weekend at Chase Field where Ohtani began a light throwing routine by playing catch in the outfield prior to game action. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that Ohtani is scheduled to increase the intensity of his throwing sessions throughout the week as the staff builds back his arm strength. Given his daily value at the top of the batting order the organization will not send Ohtani on a minor league rehabilitation assignment opting instead to complete all mound preparation alongside the Major League coaching staff.
Offensive production amidst a team slump
This step forward in Ohtani’s throwing progression comes at a critical time for Los Angeles as the club attempts to bounce back from losing eight of its last nine contests. Despite his absence from the mound Ohtani continues to lead the offense boasting a .292 batting average with 26 home runs 71 runs batted in and a 158 OPS+ across the 2026 season. His timely hitting was on display over the weekend when he drove in the game winning run providing the Dodgers with their sole victory over the past week.
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Pitching rotation outlook ahead of October
The long term outlook for the Dodgers starting rotation could receive a significant boost over the next month as Ohtani progresses through his throwing program. With starting pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow also working their way back toward full health the organization possesses the flexibility to ease Ohtani back into action without rushing his timeline. Assuming his knee responds well to increased workload the Dodgers expect to have their pitching depth restored in time for the final stretch of the regular season and the upcoming playoffs.
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Cover photos from: @shoheiohtani
