Dodgers Face Uncertainty as Shohei Ohtani Sits With 1.79 ERA and Biceps Pain

Shohei Ohtani holds an 8-2 record and 1.79 ERA, but lingering pain in his left knee and right biceps has kept him off the mound since July 3.

Shohei Ohtani remains sidelined from the mound with an 8-2 record and a 1.79 ERA across 14 starts this season. The Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter has not appeared in a game as a pitcher since July 3, citing persistent discomfort in his right biceps and left knee. While Ohtani completed a 20-pitch bullpen session on Friday, the club subsequently scratched him from a scheduled start against Detroit two days later. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Wednesday that the two-way star is physically in a good spot according to feedback from the training staff, yet the organization lacks a definitive timeline for his return to pitching duties.

Injury Management and Bullpen Progress

Roberts noted that he has not heard reports of Ohtani ailing further regarding his arm or knee. The manager emphasized that the next phase of the throwing progression depends entirely on the results of Ohtani's next bullpen session. Until that occurs, the team cannot determine a specific path forward for the right-hander. When asked about the possibility of Ohtani being shut down from pitching for the remainder of the current campaign, Roberts acknowledged that such a scenario is an option. The Dodgers are prioritizing the player's long-term health over immediate mound contributions, noting that any innings provided would be considered added value.

Defensive Limitations and Roster Roles

The Dodgers have dismissed the idea of utilizing Ohtani in the field if he is unable to start games on the mound. Roberts stated that playing Ohtani in a corner outfield position is not on the table right now. Historical data shows Ohtani has not played the outfield in a Major League Baseball game since 2021, a season where he made seven appearances at the position for the Los Angeles Angels. The team is wary that sub-100% physical health could result in a performance decline during his offensive plate appearances. Consequently, the focus remains on his role as a designated hitter while his pitching status is evaluated on a day-to-day basis.

Strategic Implications of the Ohtani Rule

If the Dodgers choose to activate Ohtani as a pitcher, several tactical hurdles exist. The club could potentially use him as a reliever if he lacks the stamina to start a full game. Under the specific MLB regulations known as the Ohtani Rule, if he begins a game as the designated hitter and later moves to the mound, Los Angeles would forfeit their DH for the duration of the contest. Conversely, a move from the pitcher's mound to the outfield would allow him to remain in the batting order. Roberts reiterated that there is no definitive deadline to stop Ohtani's throwing program, as the team continues to monitor how his arm and knee respond to increased workloads.