Shohei Ohtani’s recovery as a pitcher continues to advance. The Los Angeles Dodgers star held a bullpen session before Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, a positive sign after discomfort in his left knee that forced him to postpone his last start.
Ohtani was scheduled to pitch in the series finale against Philadelphia, but knee irritation — the same one that prevented him from participating in the MLB All-Star Game last week — changed the team’s plans.
The Japanese, four-time Most Valuable Player, has not pitched since July 3. He recently received a lubricant injection in the affected knee, a discomfort that does not prevent him from performing as a hitter.
Despite the injury, Ohtani was included in the lineup as a leadoff hitter and designated hitter for Wednesday’s game. Before the game, he completed a session of approximately 30 pitches out of the bullpen.
Manager Dave Roberts called the practice an encouraging sign for the star player’s recovery process.
“It’s a great sign. The arm is fine. The important thing was to test how it responded when throwing from the slope of the mound and putting the weight on the front leg,” explained the strategist.
However, Roberts clarified that the Dodgers still do not have a specific date for Ohtani’s return as a starter.
Following the series in Philadelphia, the defending World Series champions will visit the White House this Thursday before beginning a three-game series against the New York Mets on Friday.
