Shohei Ohtani’s Return Delayed as Dodgers Navigate Knee Concerns

In a disappointing turn of events for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani’s throwing program has hit a snag, with the star pitcher canceling a bullpen session that was tentatively scheduled for Saturday. Manager Dave Roberts provided insight into the situation, stating, “Just doesn’t feel 100%” regarding Ohtani’s left knee. He noted that after Ohtani’s last bullpen session, there was a noticeable regression, prompting the team to exercise caution.

This would have been Ohtani’s second bullpen session since receiving an orthovisc injection in his knee on July 12, following a roughly 30-pitch side session on Wednesday. The uncertainty surrounding when he will next throw off the mound adds to the team’s challenges, but Roberts remains hopeful that Ohtani could return to the rotation sometime in August.

Roberts expressed his disappointment over the setback, remarking, “It was obviously not ideal, him throwing his last bullpen and going backwards, essentially. So obviously that’s disappointing because you throw a bullpen to continue to build up.” However, he emphasized that there is no significant concern at this point, stating, “But as far as worry, concern, we don’t have any of that.” The process remains “fluid,” with Ohtani actively involved in discussions regarding his health and progress.

While pitching seems to be aggravating the injury, Ohtani continues to contribute as a designated hitter. Roberts shared, “From his words, the hitting, the running, as he has done the last couple nights, doesn’t affect him. So I can only go by what he and the training staff are telling me.” Unless new information arises that contradicts this, Ohtani will remain in the lineup.

The Dodgers had anticipated that the injection and time off before the All-Star break would alleviate Ohtani’s knee discomfort, allowing him to move forward without ongoing management issues. Although Ohtani feels better than before the break, Roberts acknowledged that the team did not expect this kind of start-and-stop buildup.

Fortunately for the Dodgers, the schedule provides some breathing room. An off day on Monday allows them to navigate the week without needing to fill Ohtani’s spot in the rotation immediately. However, by the first week of August, they will need to find a replacement, whether through a bullpen day or another starter, to maintain their six- to seven-day rotation.

Blake Snell, currently on the injured list following arthroscopic elbow surgery, is progressing and is expected to be close to returning soon. In his second rehab start, he threw 2⅔ innings (49 pitches) for triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, and he aims to reach four innings in his next appearance. Roberts stated, “Let’s just get through that next one. Get through four innings and kind of read and react from there.”

The Dodgers are also set to welcome back utility player Kiké Hernández, who is recovering from a strained left oblique, and closer Edwin Díaz, who is coming back from arthroscopic elbow surgery. Hernández is expected to be activated on Tuesday when the Dodgers begin a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners, while Díaz is likely to return on Wednesday to reclaim his closer role from Tanner Scott.

In other news, Tyler Glasnow, who has been sidelined by back spasms, threw approximately 25 pitches in a one-inning live batting practice session on Friday and is scheduled to throw to batters again next week.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.