Shohei Ohtani update is a 'bummer' and bad sign

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Shohei Ohtani update is a 'bummer' and bad sign for his return to mound

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Jul 25, 2026 8:03 PM ET

Nobody really knows when, or if, Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is going to return to the pitcher's mound this season. The news revealed on Saturday is only going to add to that uncertainty.

Shohei Ohtani's bullpen session postponed

Ohtani was supposed to have a bullpen session on Saturday, but it was postponed after he did not feel well following his latest session.

Manager Dave Roberts said, via MLB reporter Jon Heyman, that the news is a "bummer," and he still expects Ohtani to pitch again this season.

Ohtani has not pitched since July 3, allowing three earned runs in six innings.

He was off to a dominant start to the season on the mound and emerging as an early Cy Young contender, but his past four starts saw him allow 12 earned runs in 24.2 innings.

Shohei Ohtani’s pen session scheduled for today was postponed as he didn’t feel great in his last one. Dave Roberts said he still believes Ohtani will pitch again this season. And while the delay is “a bummer,” Roberts said that’s he’s going to be the MVP, regardless.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 25, 2026

Ohtani has still been serving as the Dodgers designated hitter, but not having him in the rotation obviously takes a big arm out of that spot.

He has been an outstanding pitcher in his career when healthy, but that has been a bit of a problem for him.

He has missed two full seasons' worth of pitching due to multiple surgeries, including the 2024 season, and was limited to just 47 innings a year ago in his return.

Even with his recent slump on the mound, he still has a 1.79 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP in 85.2 innings this season.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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