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Ohtani Could Return to Pitch After Friday Bullpen

8/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani may return to pitching after a bullpen session on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.
Since missing work after July 3 because of left-knee inflammation and a right-biceps issue, Ohtani will have one or two bullpen sessions and is expected to pitch only one inning, possibly as an opener.
As a designated hitter, Ohtani is batting .290/.390/.540 with 27 home runs and 74 RBIs.

History

Historical Context

After the Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for $100,000 in January 1920, his 1919 season ended with a record-tying 29 home runs, the last year he pitched regularly. The deal sparked the Red Sox’s 86-year championship drought—the Curse of the Bambino—and helped launch baseball’s live-ball era, which saw league home runs rise by 184 in 1920.

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Story summary

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani may return to pitching after a bullpen session on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.
Since missing work after July 3 because of left-knee inflammation and a right-biceps issue, Ohtani will have one or two bullpen sessions and is expected to pitch only one inning, possibly as an opener.
As a designated hitter, Ohtani is batting .290/.390/.540 with 27 home runs and 74 RBIs.

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