Shohei Ohtani’s Injury Update: Unclear Return Timeline

NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani is still dealing with discomfort in his knees, raising concerns about when he might be back on the mound for the Dodgers.

This past Sunday, manager Dave Roberts shared that Ohtani will not start on Wednesday as previously planned, due to ongoing issues with his left knee that were evident during a weekend catch session.

Roberts mentioned that the team currently lacks a clear timeline for Ohtani’s return, though he will continue to bat in the lineup. There’s an implication that Ohtani may try throwing again soon, but it’s clear that it will take time before he’s ready to pitch again.

“We want to give him the best shot at returning to form,” Roberts noted. “The mechanics of pitching can aggravate the knee, especially when landing.”

Ohtani hasn’t taken the mound since July 3, as he’s been battling knee discomfort that first appeared in mid-June. He sustained the injury during his last start before the All-Star break and skipped the festivities to receive a lubricant injection in his knee.

The team had hoped that this treatment would help him resume pitching after the break, but now that hope feels tenuous. Currently, Ohtani’s status remains uncertain, with Roberts unable to provide even an estimate for when he might be able to pitch again.

“This isn’t a common situation,” Roberts said. “The goal is to get him to a point where he can throw without hesitation. After that, we’ll adjust as needed.” He expressed optimism that Ohtani, a four-time MVP, will pitch this year, emphasizing that the current approach is more about precaution given the team’s standings.

“Sure, he could probably push through it,” Roberts acknowledged. “But right now, weighing the benefits against the risks suggests caution is the wiser path. We have time to ensure he’s in a good spot.”

Roberts also stated that the decision to hold back Ohtani from his next start came after discussions between the player and coaching staff regarding his health.

“The training staff checked in with him before deciding on Wednesday. If he’s not at 100 percent, it makes sense to give him more time,” he explained. “Players often want to participate, but it’s our duty to prioritize what’s best for him.”

Ohtani’s discomfort was significant enough that he didn’t even try a bullpen session before coming to this decision.

“He knew he didn’t need to test it in the pen,” Roberts added. “We’ve learned that being overly cautious is sometimes necessary.”

As Ohtani’s situation unfolds, the Dodgers face challenges in their pitching lineup. They now need to fill his spot while also considering whether to make roster changes ahead of the trade deadline on August 3.

For now, the Dodgers aim to keep a six-man rotation, and that should become more manageable once Blake Snell finishes his rehab. In the meantime, they’ll utilize bullpen games and other strategies to navigate the immediate future.

“For now, we continue without Shohei,” Roberts stated. “But I can’t predict how long that will last.”

The uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s recovery adds an unwelcome variable to the Dodgers’ plans. Ideally, this downtime will support his knee’s healing process, but the team has no way of knowing if the issue will persist throughout the season.

When asked if Ohtani might adjust his pitching mechanics to ease the strain on his knees, Roberts replied, “I’m sure he’ll work on that. But ultimately, he has to get back on the mound and see how it feels.”

As things stand, it’s unclear when that moment will arrive.

Ohtani, having enjoyed a stellar first half, now faces the physical demands of his dual role.