Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani Takes First Post-Injury Bullpen Toss as Dodgers Map Out Return Plan
8/16/2026, 2:09:50 AM
Ohtani’s First Post-Injury Bullpen Session
The Los Angeles Dodgers observed a positive step on a recent Friday when two-way star Shohei Ohtani completed a 34-35-pitch bullpen session, using his full repertoire. The effort was his first mound work since a July 22 outing halted by left-knee irritation and a right-biceps issue. Managers described it as encouraging and outlined a staged path back to regular-season pitching.
Background & Context
Ohtani has not appeared as a pitcher since July 3, when left-knee inflammation placed him on the disabled list. He continued to contribute as the Dodgers’ designated hitter, posting a .290/.390/.540 slash line with 27 home runs and leading the National League with a .921 OPS. The team holds an eight-game lead in the NL West as of mid-August.
Timeline of Recovery Milestones
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| July 3 | Last MLB start before injury. |
| July 22 | First bullpen session after injury (31 pitches). |
| July 25 | Session skipped due to regression in knee and biceps. |
| July 29 | Manager Dave Roberts said it was “highly unlikely” Ohtani would miss the season. |
| Recent Friday (mid-August) | Completed 34-35-pitch bullpen session, using entire mix. |
Data & Statistics
- Pitching record before injury: 8-2, 1.79 ERA, 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings.
- Hitting this season: .290/.390/.540 line, 27 home runs, 74 RBIs, .921 OPS (NL leader).
- Bullpen session volume: 34–35 pitches, encompassing fastball, breaking balls, and off-speed offerings.
Official Statements & Responses
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated Ohtani will likely undergo one or two additional bullpen sessions before live batting-practice, a prerequisite for a major-league appearance. Pitching coach Mark Prior was consulted, and the organization expressed confidence that Ohtani could return in a limited capacity, potentially as a one-inning opener, before resuming a regular rotation role later.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm pretty confident that if we stay the course, he'll throw a [bullpen session] in two, three, four, five days, and then if we get out of that, I think we'll be out of the woods,” — Dave Roberts
- “Obviously continuing to build up volume and intensity, and all of these things are positive,” — GM Brandon Gomes
- “He used his entire mix (of pitches),” — Dave Roberts
What’s Next
The Dodgers expect Ohtani to complete another bullpen session or two, followed by at least two live-batting-practice sessions. After those steps, the team plans to place him in a major-league game, likely beginning with a one-inning opening appearance to rebuild arm strength. No firm return date has been set.
