Shohei Ohtani Pitching Status Uncertain as Dodgers Activate Enrique Hernandez

Shohei Ohtani has not thrown a baseball in six days following a July 22 scratch, while Enrique Hernandez returns to the active roster for the Mariners series.

LOS ANGELES -- Shohei Ohtani has not thrown a baseball in any capacity for six days, leaving his return to the mound in question as the Los Angeles Dodgers opened a three-game home series against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday. The 32-year-old two-way star was scratched from his scheduled July 22 start, his first after the All-Star break, due to persistent discomfort in his left knee. While Ohtani remains in the daily batting lineup, he has not appeared in a game as a pitcher since July 3. On the day of his scratch in Philadelphia, he completed a 30-pitch bullpen session, but a subsequent session planned for three days later was postponed.

Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that the extended absence from the mound may force a complete restart of Ohtani's throwing program. Roberts noted that missing three to five weeks of build-up typically requires a pitcher to start their progression from scratch. Because Ohtani does not count against the team's 13-pitcher roster limit, the club maintains the option to return him to the rotation before he is fully stretched out, utilizing him as an opener similar to his return from elbow surgery last season.

Roster Moves and Injury Reinforcements

While Ohtani’s pitching timeline remains fluid, the Dodgers activated super-utility player Enrique Hernandez from the injured list on Tuesday. The team expects star closer Edwin Diaz to follow with an activation on Wednesday. Further rotation help is imminent as Blake Snell, the $182 million left-hander who has made only one start this season, is scheduled for a potential final rehab start on Wednesday. Snell is projected to rejoin the major league rotation next month.

Starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow, sidelined since early May with back spasms, is also scheduled for a significant step on Wednesday. He will face hitters at Dodger Stadium, a session that could precede a formal rehab assignment. Both Snell and Glasnow are expected to join a starting staff currently led by Yoshinobu Yamamoto and featuring Roki Sasaki, Emmet Sheehan, and Justin Wrobleski.

Catching Progress and Trade Deadline Rumors

Everyday catcher Will Smith has resumed baseball activities as he recovers from a neck injury, which the club characterized as an encouraging sign. Despite these internal returns, the Dodgers are identified by rival executives as favorites to acquire Detroit Tigers starter Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner. Scouts and executives point to the Dodgers' deep farm system and the pursuit of a third consecutive championship as drivers for a potential deal before Monday’s trade deadline.

Dodgers officials have privately downplayed interest in Skubal, and Roberts publicly expressed confidence in his current group on Tuesday. The manager cited positive reports from the medical staff regarding Snell’s build-up and Glasnow’s physical condition. Roberts described the approach to Ohtani’s recovery as prudent, emphasizing his belief in the trio as the foundation for the remainder of the season.

Pitching Rotation Outlook

The Dodgers currently hold the best record in the major leagues and the largest division lead. The potential re-integration of Ohtani into a rotation that already includes Yamamoto and Sasaki remains the primary focus of the team's medical staff. The July 28 report by Alden Gonzalez indicates that while the team is getting healthier, the specific mechanics of Ohtani's return to the mound depend entirely on when he resumes his throwing program. As of Tuesday, Roberts remained unsure when his star player would next throw off a mound.