Los Angeles Dodgers News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Dave Roberts Provides Promising Update on Shohei Ohtani

William Liang-Imagn Images

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Dave Roberts Provides Promising Update on Shohei Ohtani

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Sakuraba | Last updated Jul 22, 2026 6:59 PM ET

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Shutting down Shohei Ohtani from pitching with two months left in the regular season was never an ideal scenario for the Los Angeles Dodgers. But ahead of Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies, manager Dave Roberts provided a glimmer of hope in Ohtani's recovery from his recent knee soreness.

Ohtani, who is still batting as the team's DH, threw a 34-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday afternoon. The session was previously scheduled for the weekend at Citi Field, but Ohtani felt that he was able to go ahead of schedule. After completing the session, Roberts was asked about the next steps in Ohtani's recovery.

"It's a big sign because I think that the grass, the flat ground, all that stuff is well and good", Roberts said to reporters. "The arm's fine; it's more of just going down the slope, getting over your front side. That's the big test."

"It's a big sign because I think that the grass, the flat ground, all that stuff is well and good. The arm's fine; it's more of just going down the slope, getting over your front side. That's the big test."

Dave Roberts talks with the media about the importance of Ohtani… pic.twitter.com/6qua6iViHb
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) July 22, 2026

Ohtani was removed from the Dodgers' rotation earlier this week after being diagnosed with left knee soreness and inflammation. Roberts confirmed in his media session that Ohtani will not pitch during the current road trip, and that he would need to speak with pitching coach Mark Prior about establishing a potential timeline for return.

Prior himself was optimistic about Ohtani's bullpen session.

"It looked good. Feels good. We'll see where he's at tomorrow. I mean, there's not too much to elaborate on. But he's going to hit tonight, and go to work."

The reigning two-time NL MVP has been his typical All-Star self this year. On the mound, Ohtani has an 8-2 record with a sparkling 1.79 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 85.2 innings of work. The injury likely ends his bid for the first Cy Young Award of his career, especially with Jacob Misiorowski and Cristopher Sanchez having MVP-caliber seasons on the mound.

Shohei Ohtani just completed a 34 pitch bullpen session in Philly. According to Japanese media members, Ohtani threw his full compliment of pitches. #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) July 22, 2026

Roberts was asked about expectations for when Ohtani returns to the mound, and his response seemed to imply that the Dodgers would be playing it safe.

"I still think that it hasn't been so long that the equity that he's built up with the pitch count is that compromised. With that, I can't foresee him running out there and throwing a hundred pitches in his first outing."

The Dodgers do not return home until July 28th when they face the Seattle Mariners. If Ohtani's knee hasn't shown much improvement, it is a consideration that the Dodgers would look to add another arm by the MLB trade deadline on August 3rd. Some have suggested that top prospect River Ryan could replace Ohtani in the rotation, but Ryan himself is dealing with a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since June.

Way off in the distance, Shohei Ohtani is throwing a bullpen session. pic.twitter.com/SY2Le8txn2
— Sonja Chen (@SonjaMChen) July 22, 2026

The Dodgers are also banking on Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow returning before the postseason, and are expecting the imminent return of closer Edwin Diaz. Given the Dodgers' position in the standings and Ohtani's importance to the team, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Los Angeles keep him off the mound until he is back to full health.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: