[REVISION HISTORY]

Ohtani Pitching Return Uncertain Amid Injury and Slump

Updated 18 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-31 06:58 UTC → 2026-09-03 01:27 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Ohtani ~~Offensive Milestones and~~ Pitching ~~Rehab Progress~~ Return Uncertain Amid Injury and Slump

Shohei ~~Ohtani continues~~ Ohtani’s return to ~~deliver elite offensive production for~~ the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently hitting his 30th home run of the season—marking his sixth consecutive season with at least 30 home runs. While he remains a central figure in the National League MVP race, his pitching rehabilitation mound remains ~~the organization's primary focus. Ohtani is progressing through recovery from~~ uncertain as he continues to struggle with left knee inflammation that has impacted his pitching since July 3. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman stated the organization is not prioritizing Ohtani’s hitting over his pitching, noting both are equally vital. Recent milestones include a scheduled bullpen session on August 18 and biceps discomfort. Following a ~~more recent~~ bullpen session ~~prior to August 27~~ where he threw approximately ~~17 to~~ 20 pitches, ~~including breaking balls. Despite this progress,~~ manager Dave Roberts noted that a decision regarding an official pitching return has not yet been made, and the team will monitor Ohtani’s physical condition closely. However, Ohtani’s return to the mound remains uncertain. Following a bullpen session on Friday, August 28, Ohtani reported continued discomfort in his left knee and issues with his biceps. Manager Dave Roberts stated that confirmed Ohtani is ~~not ‘100~~ ‘not 100 percent’ and ~~confirmed~~ stated the team scrapped plans for him to pitch against the Detroit Tigers. This physical setback ~~coincides~~ has coincided with a ~~recent~~ decline in offensive ~~slump, with~~ production, including a recent game where he went zero-for-five. As the Dodgers evaluate his ~~batting average dropping to .280. Discussions~~ status, discussions have ~~emerged~~ intensified regarding whether ~~Ohtani~~ the team should place Ohtani on the injured list to allow him to focus exclusively on hitting to preserve his health for the postseason. ~~The Dodgers' roster is seeing~~ By early September, the Dodgers indicated they are seriously considering shutting Ohtani down as a ~~surge~~ pitcher for the remainder of ~~returning talent. Tyler Glasnow~~ the 2026 season. The organization is ~~set to return to~~ prioritizing his availability as a designated hitter for the ~~mound on August 26 against~~ postseason, noting that playing him in the ~~Atlanta Braves following~~ outfield is not an option. Despite the potential end to his pitching season, Ohtani remains a ~~back injury,~~ significant offensive force, maintaining 30 home runs and ~~Blake Snell has performed strongly in August. These returns bolster a rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto.~~ 80 RBIs.

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