The Los Angeles Dodgers have not yet determined if Shohei Ohtani will pitch again before the season ends.
The two-way player has been sidelined from pitching since July 3 because of ongoing discomfort in his left knee and right biceps. Ohtani threw a 20-pitch bullpen session last Friday, but he was later removed from consideration for a start against Detroit two days after that.
Ohtani’s physical status shows no setbacks
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated on Wednesday that Ohtani looks to be in solid shape, with no fresh issues concerning his arm or knee.
Still, Roberts mentioned that the team wants Ohtani to complete another bullpen session before they map out his next step on the mound. When asked if Ohtani could miss the rest of the season as a pitcher, Roberts confirmed that outcome is still on the table.
Prior to being held out, Ohtani had a 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA over 14 starts.
Outfield role not in the plans for Ohtani
Given the questions about his pitching return, Ohtani was also asked whether he might take a spot in the outfield.
Roberts said that idea is not under active review. Ohtani has not played outfield in the majors since 2021, when he appeared in seven games there for the Los Angeles Angels.
As a result, the Dodgers are keeping their attention on his pitching development rather than getting him ready for outfield duty.
Dodgers consider bullpen option for Ohtani
In case Ohtani cannot handle a starting assignment, he might be used out of the bullpen. There is also a lineup wrinkle if he starts as the designated hitter and then shifts to the mound.
Under the Ohtani Rule, the Dodgers would lose their DH for the rest of the game if Ohtani leaves that spot to pitch. If he moved from pitching to the outfield, he could stay in the batting order.
Roberts stays patient with Ohtani decision
Roberts highlighted the need to keep Ohtani healthy instead of locking in a specific date for his return.
The manager pointed out the benefit Ohtani provides on the mound, but he also noted that competing without full health could hurt his production at the plate. Even one inning from Ohtani would add value, yet the Dodgers must weigh whether using him could put his condition at risk.
With that in mind, Roberts said no clear deadline exists for when the team will decide to end Ohtani’s pitching buildup.