Shohei Ohtani Throws 35-Pitch Bullpen in Dodgers' 3-1 Win Over Brewers

Shohei Ohtani completed a 35-pitch bullpen session Friday, marking his first mound work in over three weeks as the Dodgers defeated Milwaukee 3-1.

The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday as Shohei Ohtani moved closer to a pitching return by throwing his first bullpen session in over three weeks. The 32-year-old two-way star delivered 35 pitches during the session, utilizing his entire mix of offerings. Manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in the right-hander's progress, noting that the team remains hopeful for a return to the mound during the regular season. Ohtani has been sidelined from pitching duties since July 3 due to a left knee injury.

During Friday's win, Ohtani served as the designated hitter, finishing the game 0-for-3 with one walk. Despite the hitless outing, his season offensive statistics remain robust, featuring a .290/.390/.540 slash line. He has contributed 27 home runs and 74 RBIs to the Los Angeles lineup this year. On the mound, Ohtani currently holds an 8-2 record complemented by a 1.79 ERA. Through 85⅔ innings of work this season, he has recorded 95 strikeouts.

Recovery Timeline and Pitching Plan

Dave Roberts outlined a specific ramp-up period for Ohtani to transition back to major league competition. The plan requires the pitcher to complete one or two additional bullpen sessions, followed by a minimum of two live sessions. If these milestones are met without setbacks, Ohtani is expected to rejoin the pitching staff in a limited capacity. Initial appearances will be restricted to one-inning stints, which may include serving as an opener for the club.

Roberts indicated that the next critical steps will occur within a five-day window. The manager stated that if Ohtani throws another bullpen session in the next two to five days and emerges healthy, the player will be "out of the woods" regarding his recovery. The positive reports from Friday's 35-pitch workout serve as the foundation for this optimistic timeline.

Statistical Impact of the Two-Way Star

Ohtani's absence from the rotation has spanned since early July, yet his pitching metrics remain among the team's most efficient. His 1.79 ERA is paired with a winning percentage of .800 across his 10 decisions. The Dodgers are prioritizing a cautious approach to ensure his knee can withstand the mechanics of a full delivery before he faces live hitters in a game setting.

The team's 3-1 result against Milwaukee provided the backdrop for these medical updates. While Ohtani did not record a hit in his three at-bats, his presence in the lineup continues as he rehabilitates his arm and knee for dual-threat availability. The club will monitor his physical response to the 35-pitch workload before scheduling his next mound appearance.

Managing the Left Knee Injury

The left knee issue has kept Ohtani off the mound for over 40 days, though his ability to hit has remained intact during the layoff. Roberts emphasized that staying the course with the current rehabilitation schedule is paramount. By utilizing his full repertoire of pitches on Friday, Ohtani demonstrated that the knee is stable enough to support his complete pitching motion. The Dodgers will continue to evaluate his status daily as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.