Shohei Ohtani's Knee Regression Halts Dodgers Pitching Plans

Shohei Ohtani left knee regression Los Angeles Dodgers Dave Roberts bullpen session

Los Angeles Dodgers two‑way star Shohei Ohtani skipped a scheduled bullpen session after his left knee showed a "regression," according to manager Dave Roberts. Roberts said the team will not let Ohtani throw off the mound again until he and the staff are 100 % confident he is ready. Ohtani has not pitched since July 3, 2026, and received an Orthovisc/lubricant injection before the All‑Star break.

Despite the pitching setback, the Dodgers are keeping Ohtani in the lineup as a designated hitter. He continues to hit .286 with 22 home runs and 61 RBIs while posting an 8‑2 record, a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts over 85 2/3 innings on the mound. The injury has also introduced uncertainty into his National League MVP candidacy.

Entities: Dave Roberts · Los Angeles Dodgers · Major League Baseball · Orthovisc · Shohei Ohtani

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 9 SOURCES] Roberts said the team will not let Ohtani pitch until he and the staff are 100 % confident he is ready. (multiple articles)
[● 10 SOURCES] Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani's left knee showed regression after a prior bullpen session. (multiple articles)
[● 10 SOURCES] Roberts indicated hitting and running have not affected Ohtani's knee. (multiple articles)
[● 10 SOURCES] Ohtani is batting .286 with 22 home runs and 61 RBIs. (multiple)
[● 10 SOURCES] Shohei Ohtani skipped a scheduled bullpen session on July 25, 2026. (multiple articles)
[● 9 SOURCES] Ohtani received a lubricant (Orthovisc) injection in his left knee before the All‑Star break. (multiple)
[● 10 SOURCES] Ohtani's pitching stats this season are 8‑2 record, 1.79 ERA, 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings. (multiple)
[● 10 SOURCES] Shohei Ohtani has not pitched since July 3, 2026. (multiple)
[● 9 SOURCES] The Dodgers keep Ohtani in the lineup as a designated hitter despite his knee injury. (multiple)
[● 9 SOURCES] Dave Roberts said Ohtani will not pitch again until he feels 100 % confident and the staff is also confident. (multiple)
[● 9 SOURCES] Shohei Ohtani skipped a scheduled bullpen session on July 25/26 due to regression in his left knee. (multiple)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ohtani's injury has slightly altered the National League MVP race. (multiple)