Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani Tests Knee in Bullpen Session Ahead of Potential Return
7/23/2026, 12:04:43 PM
Core Event: Bullpen Session in Philadelphia
On a Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park, Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani threw a pre-game bullpen session of roughly 30 pitches. The session marked his first time throwing off a mound since receiving a lubricant injection in his left knee during the All-Star break. Ohtani entered the game that night as the designated hitter and went 0-for-4 at the plate.
Background & Context: Knee Irritation and Treatment
Ohtani missed the previous All-Star Game because of lingering left-knee irritation that first flared in mid-June after a start in Pittsburgh. The Dodgers later administered an Orthovisc injection to lubricate the joint, a treatment that does not affect his batting. Prior to the bullpen work, he performed long toss in the outfield. His last pitching start was on July 3, when he faced the San Diego Padres.
Data & Statistics
- Approximate pitch count in the bullpen: 30–31 pitches, using his full repertoire.
- Batting result in the Wednesday game: 0-for-4.
- ERA while pitching through the knee issue in his four starts: 4.38, compared with a 0.74 ERA before the injury.
Official Statements & Responses
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described the bullpen as “a big sign” and emphasized that the arm feels fine, noting that the test involves pitching down the slope and over the front side of the body. Pitching coach Mark Prior said the session resembled a normal between-starts bullpen and that Ohtani reported feeling great when asked about his throw. Roberts added that the team will evaluate Ohtani day by day and has ruled him out of the upcoming weekend start against the New York Mets. He indicated that decisions will be made after the off-day on Thursday and further input from the training staff.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The grass, the flat ground, all that stuff is good,” — Dave Roberts, dodgers manager
- “The arm's fine. It's kind of just going down the slope, getting over your front side. That's the big test.” — Dave Roberts, dodgers manager
- “It’s day by day with him,” — Mark Prior, pitching coach
- “I still think it hasn’t been so long that the equity that he’s built up with the pitch count is that much compromised,” — Dave Roberts, dodgers manager
- “I think the easy answer is to say every pitcher is different,” — Dave Roberts, dodgers manager
What's Next
The Dodgers have an off-day on Thursday, after which they will reassess Ohtani’s readiness. Manager Roberts confirmed that Ohtani will not start the weekend series against the Mets, and any return to the rotation will be decided after further evaluation in the coming days.
