Shohei Ohtani throws 30 pitches in live batting practice for Dodgers
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 10:42 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
Shohei Ohtani participated in live batting practice against teammate Will Smith, throwing 30 pitches under intense heat in Los Angeles. Despite no set timeline for his return to pitching for the Dodgers, manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Ohtani's progress after months of dealing with left knee soreness. The manager indicated that Ohtani's next step may involve another live pitching session next week, with limited innings expected upon his return. Ohtani has not pitched since July 3.
- •Ohtani faced Will Smith during Saturday's session.
- •Manager Dave Roberts noted Ohtani would have limited innings initially.
- •Ohtani last pitched in a game on July 3.
- •Tyler Glasnow is set to start on Tuesday for the rotation.
- •All-Star Andy Pages went on the injured list with a hand fracture.
- 11:28 PMESPN MLB — Ohtani 'getting there' as he aces 30-pitch BP test
- 9:59 PMYahoo Sports — A thumbs-up and 30 pitches: Ohtani’s latest step back toward the Dodgers’ mound
"Shohei Ohtani faced teammate Will Smith in live batting practice on Saturday, but there's no definitive timeline for the two-way superstar to return to pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Wearing long sleeves, Ohtani threw 30 pitches under a blazing sun in 93-degree (34 Celsius) heat and ended the session by giving a thumbs-up. Among those looking on were pitching coach Mark Prior and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, fellow MVPs Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, and some of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"Shohei Ohtani faced teammate Will Smith in live batting practice.
Sources
External links- ESPN MLBAug 22, 2026, 11:28 PMOhtani 'getting there' as he aces 30-pitch BP test
Shohei Ohtani faced teammate Will Smith in live batting practice.
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 9:59 PMA thumbs-up and 30 pitches: Ohtani’s latest step back toward the Dodgers’ mound
Shohei Ohtani faced teammate Will Smith in live batting practice on Saturday, but there's no definitive timeline for the two-way superstar to return to pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Wearing long sleeves, Ohtani threw 30 pitches under a blazing sun in 93-degree (34 Celsius) heat and ended the session by giving a thumbs-up. Among those looking on were pitching coach Mark Prior and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, fellow MVPs Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, and some of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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•Aug 22, 2026, 10:47 PMEdwin Diaz Will Have to Earn Back Dodgers Closer Role
MLB•Aug 22, 2026, 10:39 PMShohei Ohtani takes 'really positive' step in push to return to Dodgers' rotation
MLB•Aug 22, 2026, 10:15 PMPittsburgh Pirates vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: Jared Jones vs. Tarik Skubal
MLB•Aug 22, 2026, 10:02 PMTigers' lefty prospect Andrew Sears expected to make big-league debut Sunday
MLB•Aug 22, 2026, 9:34 PMYankees’ Ryan Weathers leaves start vs. Blue Jays with forearm discomfort
MLB•Aug 22, 2026, 9:12 PMShohei Ohtani Dedicating Dodgers Foundation Charity Funds to Dreamfields