Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani’s Gradual Return to Pitching Amid the Dodgers’ Late-Season Push
8/9/2026, 11:41:57 AM
Ohtani Takes Next Step Toward Pitching Return
On Saturday, August 8, Shohei Ohtani participated in a pre-game catch session in the outfield at Chase Field, his first outdoor throwing in more than two weeks. He has not taken the mound since June 22, and his July 3 start produced nine strikeouts over six innings but ended in a no-decision after surrendering three runs. A bullpen session on July 22 in Philadelphia triggered flare-ups in his left knee and right biceps, after which he was limited to indoor weighted-ball work.
Background & Context
Ohtani’s left-knee inflammation was diagnosed in June and treated with an Orthovisc injection during the All-Star break. A concurrent biceps tightness has also hampered his ability to pitch. The Dodgers have relied on a rotating staff that now includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, newly acquired Tarik Skubal, and the pending returns of Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow.
Timeline
- June 22 – Ohtani’s most recent pitching appearance.
- July 3 – Final start of the season; 6 innings, 9 K, 3 runs allowed.
- July 22 – Bullpen session in Philadelphia; knee and biceps flare.
- August 8 – Outdoor catch session in Phoenix.
- August 7 – Dodgers emphasize the need for Ohtani’s pitching return as the season winds down.
Data & Statistics
- Ohtani leads the National League with a .952 OPS and a 162 OPS+ over 106 games.
- Since his pitching absence, the Dodgers have gone 11-16, including a seven-game losing streak that ended with the Diamondbacks win.
Official Statements & Responses
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described any future pitching contributions from Ohtani as “bonuses” and reiterated a plan to rebuild arm strength gradually, mirroring the approach used after his prior Tommy John surgery. Ohtani said, “It’s getting pretty good day by day,” and outlined a three-phase rehab: plyometric work, long toss, then a bullpen progression.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s getting pretty good day by day,” — Shohei Ohtani
- “He pitched a nice game.” — Dave Roberts, manager
On-the-Ground Report
In the same game where Ohtani tossed the catch, he delivered the go-ahead RBI in the 10th inning. A 72.7-mph ground ball to first baseman Tim Tawa was smothered but not fielded cleanly, allowing Kyle Tucker to score the winning run and snap the Dodgers’ seven-game skid.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree that Ohtani’s next bullpen session is imminent, but the exact date remains unspecified beyond “next week.” No definitive timeline for a full-game return has been provided, leaving his postseason role uncertain.
What’s Next
The upcoming bullpen session will serve as the first measurable checkpoint in Ohtani’s comeback plan. The Dodgers aim to have a fully prepared rotation—including Ohtani, Snell, Glasnow, Skubal and Yamamoto—by mid-September as they head toward the postseason.
