Overview

• Shohei Ohtani has pitched one inning in each of his first two starts since returning on June 16, recording scoreless frames and four strikeouts total.
• Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts describes the process as gradual and says there’s no set timeline for stretching Ohtani to longer outings.
• The team is closely monitoring his pitch quality and counts as it balances his dual role after a second career Tommy John procedure.
• Ohtani’s hitting remains strong, capped by his 26th home run in his first at-bat following Sunday’s pitching appearance.
• Critics including former Marlins president David Samson have questioned the slow ramp-up even as the Dodgers weigh lineup tweaks on Ohtani’s pitching days.