The Los Angeles Dodgers will continue to cautiously handle Shohei Ohtani’s return as a pitcher. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the Japanese superstar will throw another bullpen session this Saturday at Citi Field, but ruled out his return to the rotation next week.
“It’s too early. I feel very confident that it won’t be next week,” Roberts said before the start of the series against the New York Mets.
The strategist explained that the organization has no intention of speeding up the process, since the main objective is to have Ohtani physically fit for the postseason.
“It’s not July, it’s October. We’ve already waited a long time for him to fully recover, so we’re not going to bring him back before it’s necessary,” Roberts said.
Ohtani hasn’t pitched since July 3 due to left knee irritation. However, the discomfort does not prevent him from serving as a designated hitter and he continues to be a regular part of the Dodgers’ lineup.
The right-hander threw about 30 pitches from the mound on Wednesday in Philadelphia and, if he responds well physically, he will repeat the session this Saturday. Roberts stressed that the plan will be flexible and will depend on how the Japanese feel from day to day.
In 14 starts this season, Ohtani has an 8-2 record, a 1.79 ERA, 95 strikeouts in 85.2 innings and has won his last six decisions. On offense he is hitting .283, with 22 home runs, 60 RBIs and an OPS of .917.
Blake Snell and Edwin Díaz make progress in their recovery
Roberts also updated the status of other injured pitchers. Blake Snell was scheduled to make his second rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City, where the goal was to complete at least three innings after a limited first outing.
For his part, closer Edwin Díaz pitched on consecutive days during his rehab assignment and will take the mound again on Sunday. If he has no issues, he could rejoin the Dodgers’ roster when the team returns home on Tuesday.
In addition, Tyler Glasnow continues to face hitters while making good progress in his recovery from lower back spasms, and catcher Will Smith is no longer experiencing pain from neck inflammation and has begun to increase his activity.
