Overview
- Ohtani played catch at Chase Field on Saturday, marking the first visible step in a staged throwing progression after a more than two-week layoff.
- The Dodgers plan a stepwise path that moves from catch to long toss to bullpen sessions to live hitters before he returns to game pitching, with early-to-mid September often cited as an ideal but uncertain target.
- The left-knee irritation that sidelined his mound work prompted a midseason knee drainage and lubricant injection and led to a shutdown after a July 22 bullpen session; his last start was July 3.
- Team leaders stress caution: president Andrew Friedman says he expects Ohtani to pitch again this season and manager Dave Roberts calls any innings 'bonuses' as the club guards against overcompensation and workload risk.
- Ohtani continues to hit as the Dodgers' everyday designated hitter and leads the National League in OPS, a performance that gives Los Angeles offensive security while the club balances rotation needs and postseason planning.