Dodgers manager says Ohtani won't rush return to pitching rotation
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 25, 2026, 12:42 AM
Last updated Jul 25, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Shohei Ohtani is not expected to return to the rotation next week. Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 due to left knee irritation but is still a regular in the starting lineup as a designated hitter. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday after receiving a lubricant injection before the All-Star break. Roberts emphasized the importance of prioritizing Ohtani’s long-term health over a quick return, noting the team's focus on the postseason. The Dodgers currently have the best record in Major League Baseball at 65-38.
- •Ohtani hasn't pitched since July 3 due to knee issues.
- •Roberts stated Ohtani won't return to the rotation next week.
- •Ohtani is still hitting, batting at the leadoff spot.
- •The Dodgers have the best MLB record at 65-38.
- •Ohtani plans to throw another bullpen session Saturday.
- 9:49 PMYahoo Sports — Dodgers delay Shohei Ohtani's bullpen Saturday due to 'regression' in his knee
- 5:23 AMYahoo Sports — Dave Roberts gives Shohei Ohtani update: Dodgers aren't rushing star back to mound
- 1:37 AMESPN — Roberts: Dodgers won't rush Ohtani's mound return
- 12:14 AMYahoo Sports — Ohtani could throw another bullpen Saturday, but Roberts says Dodgers won't rush return to rotation
"Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to throw another bullpen Saturday at Citi Field, but Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he doesn't expect the two-way superstar to return to the rotation by next week. The two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers began the day with the best record in the majors at 65-38 and an 11-game lead in the NL West. Ohtani hasn't pitched since July 3 because of left knee irritation.
"Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he doesn't expect Shohei Ohtani to return to the rotation by next week, saying the team wouldn't have him pitch "earlier than we need to."
"Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers remains uncertain for the foreseeable future. Here's the latest.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 25, 2026, 9:49 PMDodgers delay Shohei Ohtani's bullpen Saturday due to 'regression' in his knee
Manager Dave Roberts remains adamant that Ohtani will pitch again this season.
- Yahoo SportsJul 25, 2026, 5:23 AMDave Roberts gives Shohei Ohtani update: Dodgers aren't rushing star back to mound
Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers remains uncertain for the foreseeable future. Here's the latest.
- ESPNJul 25, 2026, 1:37 AMRoberts: Dodgers won't rush Ohtani's mound return
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he doesn't expect Shohei Ohtani to return to the rotation by next week, saying the team wouldn't have him pitch "earlier than we need to."
- Yahoo SportsJul 25, 2026, 12:14 AMOhtani could throw another bullpen Saturday, but Roberts says Dodgers won't rush return to rotation
Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to throw another bullpen Saturday at Citi Field, but Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he doesn't expect the two-way superstar to return to the rotation by next week. The two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers began the day with the best record in the majors at 65-38 and an 11-game lead in the NL West. Ohtani hasn't pitched since July 3 because of left knee irritation.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- MLB•Jul 28, 2026, 10:08 PMDodgers Field Strongest Lineup For Opener vs. Mariners
- MLB•Jul 28, 2026, 10:00 PMYankees Expected to ‘Inquire’ Alongside Four Other Teams With Tigers on Tarik Skubal Trade
- MLB•Jul 28, 2026, 8:58 PMDodgers Continue With 5-Man Rotation For Mariners Series
- MLB•Jul 28, 2026, 8:40 PMWhy Dodgers Do Not Have To Be Aggressive At Deadline
- MLB•Jul 28, 2026, 7:35 PMPadres Reportedly Inform Teams Of What It Will Take To Get Mason Miller
- MLB•Jul 28, 2026, 7:10 PMDodgers Fans React to Teoscar Hernandez Trade Rumors
