Dodgers Eye Shohei Ohtani Pitching Return While Monitoring Tarik Skubal

Andrew Friedman expressed confidence in a Shohei Ohtani pitching return despite the star not throwing since a Philadelphia bullpen session last Wednesday.

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman confirmed Wednesday that the organization remains confident in a Shohei Ohtani pitching return despite the two-way star not appearing on the mound since July 3. Ohtani, who serves as the team's leadoff man and designated hitter, has not thrown a baseball since a bullpen session in Philadelphia last Wednesday. During that workout, Ohtani experienced a flare-up in his right biceps, an area he previously tweaked on a swing during the same July 3 contest. While Ohtani’s left knee continues to hinder his pitching progression, Friedman noted that images show no structural damage, allowing the player to continue his offensive duties without discomfort.

Rotation Health and Trade Deadline Strategy

The Dodgers’ pursuit of becoming the first National League team to three-peat as World Series champions coincides with a fluctuating market for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. Detroit recently blew a seven-run lead to the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, contributing to a stretch where they lost four of five games to fall seven games below .500. Skubal, a pending free agent, was previously considered unlikely to move after the Tigers went on a 22-12 run, but rival executives now view the Dodgers as favorites to land the left-hander before Monday’s deadline. Friedman, who has previously engineered midseason trades for Yu Darvish in 2017, Manny Machado in 2018, and the duo of Max Scherzer and Trea Turner in 2021, indicated the team will participate in conversations for any available star-level talent.

Pitching Staff Injury Updates

Beyond the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani, the Dodgers are managing several returning arms. Closer Edwin Diaz was activated on Wednesday, following the return of utility player Enrique Hernandez on Tuesday. Blake Snell, currently earning a portion of a combined $56 million with Tyler Glasnow this season, is scheduled for a potential return next week pending the results of his Wednesday rehab outing. Glasnow faced hitters at Dodger Stadium early Wednesday afternoon and is expected to begin his own rehab assignment shortly. These reinforcements join Yoshinobu Yamamoto, an All-Star and Cy Young contender, and Justin Wrobleski, who has maintained a 2.88 ERA across 112⅔ innings this year. The roster also features Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan as depth options.

Ohtani’s Path to the Mound

Friedman emphasized that Ohtani would be making his regular turns in the rotation currently if not for the knee ailment. The team has kept his arm active using plyometric balls, though Ohtani admitted he does not feel 100% in his arm. The Dodgers’ medical staff and front office are prioritizing a recovery that avoids physical compensation during his landing motion. While the specific timeline for Ohtani to resume catch play and bullpen sessions remains undetermined, the club expects him to be part of the October rotation. Friedman dismissed the idea of an injured list stint for the knee, citing player feedback and medical imaging that supports his continued participation as a hitter.