Shohei Ohtani Throws 30 Pitches in Live BP as Dodgers Rotation Nears Full Strength

Shohei Ohtani completed a 30-pitch live batting practice session in 93-degree heat on Saturday, marking a significant step in his recovery from a left knee injury.

Shohei Ohtani completed a 30-pitch live batting practice session on Saturday, facing teammate Will Smith under a 93-degree sun in Los Angeles. The two-way superstar, who has not pitched in a game since July 3 due to left knee soreness, concluded the workout by giving a thumbs-up to a group of observers that included Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, pitching coach Mark Prior, and teammates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Several members of the Pittsburgh Pirates also watched the session as Ohtani wore long sleeves despite the blazing heat.

Manager Dave Roberts noted that while Ohtani is "getting there," the team has not established a definitive timeline for his return to the mound. The left knee serves as Ohtani's landing leg during his delivery, and lingering discomfort has kept him out of the rotation for over seven weeks. Roberts indicated that if the decision were left entirely to Ohtani, the pitcher would likely attempt to enter a game within a few days. The current plan involves Ohtani throwing another live session next week to continue his progression.

Rotation Reinforcements and Pitching Restrictions

Once Ohtani is cleared to rejoin the starting rotation, his workload will be strictly managed. Roberts confirmed the Dodgers will utilize a slow buildup, limiting the right-hander to one, two, or three innings in his initial appearances. The ultimate objective is to have Ohtani prepared for full-length starts by October, coinciding with the Dodgers' pursuit of a third consecutive World Series championship. While Roberts acknowledged that six-inning postseason starts are the goal, he emphasized that Ohtani must still pass specific physical markers and tests.

In immediate rotation news, Tyler Glasnow is scheduled to start Tuesday in Atlanta. This will be the right-hander's first appearance since May 6, following a stint on the 60-day injured list caused by lower back spasms. Glasnow joins a starting staff that currently features Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki. To accommodate the returning starters, Justin Wrobleski is expected to transition to the bullpen.

Injury Updates for Edwin Díaz and Andy Pages

Closer Edwin Díaz remains on the 15-day injured list due to neck inflammation but participated in a game of catch on Friday. Díaz, who is in his first season with the Dodgers, has struggled with injuries and mechanical consistency. Roberts stated the team will not rush him back into the closer role, opting instead for "softer landing situations" to help the pitcher regain confidence and feel for his pitches before returning him to high-leverage duties.

The Dodgers roster faced a setback on Saturday as All-Star outfielder Andy Pages was placed on the injured list with a left hand fracture. The injury occurred during Friday's game when Pages was hit by a pitch from Pirates starter Bubba Chandler. Roberts suggested that surgery is a likely option for the outfielder, with a minimum recovery time of four weeks. Despite the fracture, the team expects Pages to return to full health before the conclusion of the season.

Roster Moves and Outfield Depth

To fill the vacancy left by Pages, the Dodgers recalled Alek Thomas from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Thomas, who was acquired in a mid-May trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, is slated to play center field against right-handed pitching. For matchups against left-handers, Roberts indicated that Tommy Edman and Enrique Hernández are the primary options to see time in the outfield. These adjustments come as the club manages multiple recoveries ahead of the postseason push.