Ohtani Eyes June Return to Mound
Shohei Ohtani’s June return to the mound is gaining momentum as the Dodgers report steady rehab progress despite lingering knee and biceps concerns.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that two‑way star Shohei Ohtani is making progress toward a return to the mound, though a precise date remains unsettled.
Latest update on Ohtani’s rehab
Ohtani was sidelined from pitching just before the All‑Star break after doctors identified lingering issues in his right knee and left biceps. The team administered a lubricant injection to the joint, but the recovery has been slower than hoped.
Over the weekend, Ohtani threw a short session for the first time in 17 days, handling plyometric balls in the bullpen and catching from roughly 90 feet away. Roberts noted that Ohtani himself drove the catch‑practice, with coaches only learning of it afterward.
“I talked to [pitching coach] Mark [Prior], talked to Thomas [Albert, head athletic trainer]. They said that he came out of it well,” Roberts said. “I don’t know [what’s next]. It’s sort of Ohtani and the training staff driving it, more Ohtani. So I don’t know if he’s gonna come back out there tomorrow and pick up a baseball, or if it’s gonna be Monday, but I do think that him getting out there and playing catch is a step in the right direction.”
Ohtani, who posted a 1.82 ERA in 14 starts this season, has continued to appear as a hitter despite the pitching hiatus. The injury has limited his ability to pitch, yet he remains in the lineup for most games.
Potential rotation when Ohtani returns
If Ohtani can rejoin the staff in September, he would have a handful of outings before the postseason. This window is important, as a healthy Ohtani on the mound may tip the balance between another World Series title and a thwarted three‑peat attempt.
Following the trade‑deadline acquisition of right‑hander Tarik Skubal, the Dodgers’ rotation has deepened. Left‑hander Blake Snell is slated to start against the Kansas City Royals this week, adding another option. The team’s rotation is becoming stronger.
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The club has relied on a six‑man rotation all season, a structure unlikely to shift. A projected lineup after Ohtani’s return could look like this:
- LHP Tarik Skubal
- RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- LHP Blake Snell
- LHP Justin Wrobleski
- RHP Tyler Glasnow
- RHP Shohei Ohtani
Glasnow is also nearing his own comeback, meaning the rotation would be fully stacked before the playoffs.
Ohtani’s dual role shows the rarity of a player who can contribute at an elite level on both sides of the ball. Teams rarely have the luxury of a starting pitcher who can also hit with power, so his eventual return could influence not only the Dodgers’ strategic options but also how other clubs evaluate two‑way talent in the future.
Roberts admitted uncertainty about the exact timeline, saying, “I don’t know if he’s gonna come back out there tomorrow… or if it’s gonna be Monday.”
The sight of Ohtani handling a baseball in practice signals a positive trend.
The Dodgers will monitor his progress closely, balancing the desire for a timely return with the need to avoid a relapse.
