Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani’s Pitching Return Postponed Amid Ongoing Knee and Biceps Concerns
8/30/2026, 8:05:42 AM
Core Event
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that two-way star Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in the series finale against the Detroit Tigers nor start the following game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The decision follows a bullpen session on Friday in which Ohtani reported that his left knee and right biceps still felt “not 100 %.” The Dodgers will turn to Tyler Glasnow for the Sunday start and have not set a new timeline for Ohtani’s return to the mound.
Background & Context
Ohtani has been sidelined from pitching since his July 3 start against the San Diego Padres, when knee inflammation forced him out of the rotation. A biceps issue has also limited his ability to pitch, though he remains the Dodgers’ everyday designated hitter. The club had hoped to give Ohtani four to five starts before season’s end, but the recent setback casts doubt on that plan.
Data & Statistics
- Pitching record before the injury: 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts.
- Hitting performance (through the season): .283 average, 86 runs, 30 home runs, 80 RBIs, 10 stolen bases.
- Dodgers overall record: 81-54, leading the NL West and one game ahead of the Atlanta Braves for the second playoff bye.
- Rotation depth includes Cy Young winners Tarik Skubal and Blake Snell, World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and All-Star Tyler Glasnow.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberts emphasized that Ohtani’s health remains the priority. He noted that the left knee and right biceps have not fully healed and that the team will reassess his pitching status after returning to Los Angeles. While acknowledging Ohtani’s offensive value, Roberts said the Dodgers cannot risk compromising his hitting by forcing a premature return to the mound. He described the situation as “not an exact science,” stressing that the decision will weigh the positives and negatives of any further innings. The manager also indicated that the club will not set a specific target date for Ohtani’s next start, preferring to let his condition dictate the timeline.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To be quite frank, I just don't see everything getting to 100% by the end of the season,” — Dave Roberts
- “His value offensively is hugely important, and so we can't compromise that in any fashion,” — Dave Roberts
What’s Next
The Dodgers plan to discuss Ohtani’s pitching future after the team returns to Los Angeles later this week. No specific date has been set for a potential return, and any decision will be based on Ohtani’s overall body health rather than a predetermined schedule.
