Shohei Ohtani's pitching return remains uncertain amid injury concerns

Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Dodgers MLB injury update Dave Roberts

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has indicated that the possibility of Shohei Ohtani not pitching again this season is “on the table.” The 32-year-old superstar has not pitched since July 3 due to persistent discomfort in his left knee and right biceps. While Roberts noted that Ohtani reports feeling physically good, he observed the player appearing to compensate for pain during recent games, specifically noting visible trembling in his arm and facial grimacing.

Ohtani is currently experiencing a significant offensive slump, including a 60-plate appearance stretch without a home run. During a recent loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, Ohtani went hitless with four strikeouts. Roberts stated that any decision regarding Ohtani's pitching return is contingent on him successfully completing further bullpen sessions. While the team is monitoring his health closely, Roberts noted that moving Ohtani to an outfield position is not currently under consideration.

In the same game, Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched seven innings with four runs allowed, but the Dodgers ultimately lost 8-6 in extra innings. The team is balancing the need to manage Ohtani's health for the postseason against his desire to remain in the lineup as a designated hitter.

Entities

Dave Roberts · Freddie Freeman · Los Angeles Dodgers · Pete Crow-Armstrong · Roki Sasaki · Shohei Ohtani · St. Louis Cardinals · Will Smith · Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The Dodgers are considering the impact of Ohtani's pitching status on the National League MVP race. bleacherreport.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Ohtani has recently struggled offensively, recording an 11-game hitting streak without a home run. smart-flash.jp
[○ 1 SOURCE] The team's priority is to ensure Ohtani remains healthy for his role as a designated hitter in the postseason. meridiano.net
[● 6 SOURCES] The Dodgers are considering the option of ending Shohei Ohtani's pitching duties for the remainder of the 2026 season. news.nextapple.com · meridiano.net · sports.ettoday.net · heavy.com · bleacherreport.com · +1 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Shohei Ohtani has not pitched in a Major League game since July 3, 2026. news.nextapple.com · meridiano.net · bleacherreport.com · srnnews.com
[● 5 SOURCES] The Los Angeles Dodgers have not yet made a final decision regarding Ohtani's pitching status. meridiano.net · sports.ettoday.net · heavy.com · srnnews.com · bleacherreport.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Ohtani's pitching return is contingent on him successfully completing bullpen sessions. sports.ettoday.net · srnnews.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · www.carteldeportivo.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Ohtani is currently experiencing physical discomfort in his knee and biceps. meridiano.net · heavy.com · bleacherreport.com · srnnews.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The team is concerned that pitching could negatively impact Ohtani's offensive performance. srnnews.com · sports.ettoday.net
[● 3 SOURCES] Ohtani reports feeling physically good despite his injuries. srnnews.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com · www.carteldeportivo.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The Dodgers are not currently considering moving Ohtani to an outfield position. srnnews.com · bleacherreport.com · www.carteldeportivo.com · www.winnipegfreepress.com
[● 6 SOURCES] Shohei Ohtani potentially not pitching again this season is an option for the Dodgers. www.carteldeportivo.com · news.nextapple.com · sports.ettoday.net · srnnews.com · heavy.com · +1 more