Overview
- Ohtani hit two home runs and collected four hits to spark an 11-5 Dodgers win in Denver on Tuesday, ending a recent offensive slump.
- The pitcher-turned-designated-hitter completed a 34-pitch bullpen session on August 14, followed by long-toss work and another bullpen planned around August 18 as part of a stepped throwing progression.
- Los Angeles is planning for a possible September mound return that depends on one or two more bullpen sessions and live batting-practice work and would not require a minor-league rehab start if there are no setbacks.
- The club emphasized caution because Ohtani has had persistent left-knee inflammation treated with an Orthovisc injection and earlier throwing progress was paused after pain, and his 2023 elbow surgery adds reason for care.
- Other late-season storylines include the Dodgers’ lineup rebound, the Red Sox’s 11-1 rout of Arizona, and Pete Crow-Armstrong’s historic walk-off sequence for the Cubs, all of which shape playoff positioning and momentum.