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Ohtani Throws Bullpen, Nears Pitching Return
15 Aug
Summary
- Shohei Ohtani threw his first bullpen session since July 22.
- He is recovering from left knee inflammation sustained on July 3.
- A return requires more bullpen sessions and simulated games.
Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani has made significant progress in his recovery from left knee inflammation, a condition that has sidelined him from pitching since July 3. As of 2026-08-15, Ohtani has resumed throwing, completing a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium three hours before the team's game on Friday. This marks his first time on the mound since July 22.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed satisfaction with Ohtani's 35-pitch session and outlined a clear path for his pitching return. Ohtani must complete at least one additional bullpen session, potentially two, followed by at least two simulated games facing hitters. The team is prepared to manage his workload upon return, even starting with just one inning, a strategy successfully employed previously.
Ohtani's unique two-way status allows him to contribute innings without impacting the active roster limit for pitchers, a valuable asset the Dodgers have missed. His absence has coincided with a decline in the bullpen's performance, highlighting the significant impact of his lost innings over the past six to seven weeks.
