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Shohei Ohtani aims for quick return as MVP race heats up

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 9:08 AM

Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Shohei Ohtani aims for quick return as MVP race heats up

Summary

Shohei Ohtani of the LA Dodgers is working towards a return to pitching following a knee injury that sidelined him since July 3. During a recent live batting practice session, Ohtani threw 30 pitches and showed no apparent issues with his knee. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Ohtani's comeback, indicating he may be limited to 2-3 innings initially as he builds stamina. The urgency for Ohtani’s return is amplified by speculation that he could lose ground in the MVP race to Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs if he takes too long to return to form.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 due to knee soreness.
•He completed a live batting practice session on Saturday.
•Roberts plans to limit Ohtani initially to 2-3 innings per game.
•Reports suggest he could pitch again within the next few games.
•Ohtani's statistics include an 8-2 record and a 1.79 ERA over 14 starts.

Latest Updates

9:08 AMYahoo Sports — “Sad” – Sports Analyst Takes Dig At Shohei Ohtani, Claims He Is Rushing Injury Comeback Because Pete Crow-Armstrong Would Win MVP Race

What they're saying

"
Matt Cahill, better known on social media as Marty Mush, a digital sports content creator for Barstool Sports, took a sly dig at Dodgers two-way ace Shohei Ohtani. He claimed that the star was rushing his return to the mound out of fear of losing ground in the NL MVP race to Cubs star CF Pete Crow-Armstrong.
— Yahoo Sports

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