Overview
- The Dodgers reported that Shohei Ohtani has resumed playing catch and has done dry throws off the mound, marking measured steps in his recovery from recent left-knee inflammation and right-biceps discomfort.
- Ohtani has not pitched since early July and was shut down from pitching after a bullpen session in Philadelphia, so the club is advancing him slowly rather than setting a firm timetable for his mound return.
- MLB.com has listed a return as a pitcher in September as a possibility, but the team stresses that any date remains tentative and day-to-day monitoring will guide the next bullpen session and live innings.
- Manager Dave Roberts said any innings Ohtani provides would be a bonus, noting the Dodgers have a deep rotation that reduces pressure to rush him back into regular starts.
- Ohtani’s strong season performance, including a sub-2.00 ERA over his innings pitched, raises the value of a careful approach because a safe return could help both the Dodgers’ postseason plans and his individual awards case.