Overview
- On Friday the Dodgers said Shohei Ohtani threw a 34–35 pitch bullpen at Dodger Stadium using his full pitch mix, his first bullpen from the mound since July 22 and a key step in his throwing progression.
- Manager Dave Roberts and GM Brandon Gomes outlined a staged plan that calls for one or two more bullpen sessions, at least two live batting-practice outings where he faces hitters, and then limited one-inning MLB appearances to build up volume.
- Team officials described the approach as intentionally cautious so his left-knee inflammation does not worsen and his postseason availability as a hitter and pitcher is preserved.
- The club’s added rotation depth — including Tarik Skubal and the returns of Blake Snell and an expected Tyler Glasnow — reduces pressure to rush Ohtani back and gives the Dodgers flexibility in roster construction.
- Ohtani was an elite starter this season (8–2, 1.79 ERA in 14 starts) before the knee and a right-biceps issue paused his pitching, and because he is classified as a two-way player his pitching availability directly affects bullpen workload and active-roster planning.