His knee is not the only concern surrounding the two-way star, as his overall physical condition is also not quite at full strength. It now appears that his return to the mound could be delayed a little longer than initially expected following his shortened 20-pitch bullpen session on Friday.

Roberts knows he has several alternatives at his disposal, including the talented Tarik Skubal, although it is clear that Ohtani represents something more for this roster. Despite his current situation, the hope of having him back on the mound in the short term remains.

Dodgers need Ohtani on the mound

While Ohtani has continued to impact the lineup as a hitter, the Dodgers desperately need his elite arm back in their starting rotation ahead of October. Before a left knee injury shut him down from pitching in early July, Shohei was flat-out dominant, posting an 8-2 record with a blistering 1.79 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts over 85 2/3 innings.

With Los Angeles’ rotation depleted by injuries and consistency issues down the stretch, having Ohtani return to anchor the top of the rotation isn’t just a luxury—it’s the missing piece they need to make a deep, championship-caliber postseason run.

The Dodgers have their eyes on the playoffs

With 28 games left in the regular season, the Dodgers enter the final stretch with a singular goal in mind: securing their place in baseball lore with a historic three-peat. Standing between Los Angeles and postseason momentum are three crucial upcoming series—finishing out a road set against the Detroit Tigers before heading back home to Dodger Stadium to face the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals.

With the Division race tightening down the stretch, every single series matters; the Dodgers need to bank wins now to solidify their playoff seeding and prove they still have the depth to become MLB‘s first back-to-back-to-back World Series champion in over two decades.

“Felt good the next day, and I should be throwing another bullpen tomorrow, assuming everything feels good,” he said after Dodgers’ 11-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies. Dave Roberts can be hopeful about getting his biggest star back at full strength.

The Dodgers’ offensive struggles have been a concern for the manager during this stretch of the season. Now that Ohtani appears to be getting back to full strength, the future looks promising.

Elite pitching rotation for the Dodgers

At full strength, it’s clear that the Dodgers have one of the most formidable pitching rotations in the league. Alongside Ohtani, they have Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tarik Skubal, two elite pitchers in MLB.

In addition, despite dealing with various injuries, Dave Roberts has more options at his disposal. Blake Snell is back after missing an extended period, while Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone are working their way back through rehab assignments in the minor leagues. Meanwhile, Justin Wrobleski was recently added to the injured list.

Ohtani’s numbers on the mound

In 14 starts across 85.2 innings of work on the mound in 2026, Shohei Ohtani has posted an impressive 8–2 record alongside a dominant 1.79 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP. Armed with elite strikeout metrics—highlighted by 95 strikeouts (9.98 K/9) against just 26 walks—his overall pitching contributions have been worth roughly 3.0 WAR, anchoring the Dodgers’ rotation with true frontline performance.

Skubal won a historic salary arbitration case for the 2026 season, securing a $32 million salary. After completing the trade, the Dodgers assumed the remaining prorated portion of that deal, meaning they will pay approximately $10.3 million to $10.5 million through the end of the regular season.

Ohtani‘s annual salary situation is entirely different. Although he signed a 10-year, $700 million contract ahead of the 2024 season, he agreed to defer $680 million of the deal, receiving just $2 million in annual salary through 2033. The remaining deferred payments—worth $68 million per year—will begin in 2034.

Looking ahead, Skubal is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. After winning multiple Cy Young Awards, he is expected to pursue a long-term contract worth approximately $35 million to $40 million annually, without deferred payments.

The Dodgers-Tigers trade

As reported by Jeff Passan on X, the blockbuster trade sends two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for a three-prospect package heading to the Detroit Tigers: outfielder Zyhir Hope along with right-handed pitchers River Ryan and Brady Smith.

In pursuit of a three-peat

With a dominant 69–42 record atop the NL West, the Los Angeles Dodgers have firmly cemented their status as clear favorites to capture a third consecutive World Series title. Bolstering an already elite roster, the addition of Skubal gives Los Angeles an unstoppable rotation alongside Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Blake Snell, positioning the franchise for a historic championship three-peat.

How much can Skubal give the Dodgers?

Before the trade, Skubal was once again performing as one of baseball’s premier left-handers for Detroit in 2026, posting a 2.79 ERA, a 7–5 record, and 114 strikeouts over 96.2 innings pitched across 16 starts. His ability to neutralize elite righty-heavy lineups provides Los Angeles with the ultimate rotation anchor, making their path through October virtually unassailable.

Following the 7-6 defeat at Dodger Stadium, Roberts explained that Ohtani’s throwing program was paused. “I think there is an effect from the lower half to the compromising of the upper half, the arm. Trying to mitigate that, we stopped the throwing, stopped the bullpens — hopefully, number one, take care of the knee and then not have him try to create velocity with the arm that’s not 100 percent,” Roberts said, according to MLB.com.

Despite the concerns surrounding his pitching return, Ohtani showed no signs of slowing down offensively. The Dodgers star hit a leadoff home run, his 23rd of the season, and later added an RBI single and an RBI double in the loss to Seattle.

What is the latest update on Shohei Ohtani’s injury?

After Roberts revealed the Dodgers’ trade‑deadline approach despite injury concerns, he detailed how Ohtani’s knee inflammation had already affected his running progression, while the biceps discomfort emerged after he adjusted his throwing mechanics to compensate for the lower‑body issue.

“If we look at him and his value for our ballclub, we need him in the lineup. The swing, the running of the bases, the knee, the arm — it doesn’t compromise that,” Roberts said after the game.

Will Shohei Ohtani pitch again this season?

Although Ohtani’s return to the mound has been delayed, Roberts said the Dodgers haven’t changed their expectation that he could pitch again if his recovery progresses as planned.

“If the World Series is next week, no [he would not pitch]. He hasn’t been off the mound in three weeks. Whenever that is, there has to be a buildup,” Roberts said. For now, the Dodgers remain focused on keeping Ohtani productive at the plate while carefully managing his return as a pitcher during the final stretch of the season.

Speaking after the win, Roberts pointed to a key moment in the seventh inning when Arizona elected to intentionally walk Ohtani rather than challenge him with a runner on third base. “You want there to be a tax when you walk Shohei,” Roberts said, according to MLB.com.

The strategy ultimately backfired for the Diamondbacks. Ohtani later scored during a two-run inning that proved decisive, helping the Dodgers improve their recent run of success even as manager Roberts, who recently opened up on Kike Hernandez’s injury update, continues to guide a roster managing various health concerns.

Ohtani continues to power Dodgers offense

Ohtani wasted no time making his presence felt. He opened the game with a double and later came around to score on Freddie Freeman’s ninth home run of the season. In the second inning, he delivered again, ripping a two-run triple to right field after Dalton Rushing and Alex Freeland reached base.

The Dodgers built an early advantage behind Ohtani’s production, and although Arizona mounted a late comeback attempt, Los Angeles held on for the victory. Ohtani finished the night with two extra-base hits and continued a stretch that has seen him reestablish himself as one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters.

Since May 12, Ohtani has been one of the hottest players in the league, batting .420 with 13 extra-base hits. That surge comes after a difficult opening stretch in which he hit .233 across his first 38 games while searching for consistency at the plate.

Dodgers thriving as Ohtani finds his rhythm

The timing of Ohtani’s turnaround has coincided with one of the Dodgers’ strongest stretches of the season. Los Angeles has won 15 of its last 19 games, using a combination of elite pitching and improved offensive production to remain among the National League’s top contenders.

As the Dodgers continue their push through the summer months, Ohtani’s resurgence gives the club another reason for optimism. And based on Roberts’ comments, opposing teams may continue to think twice before pitching to him in critical situations.

After throwing seven scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ 4-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants, Ohtani acknowledged that while his pitching remains dominant, he still expects more from himself as a hitter. “First and foremost, the fact that I’m not injured, that’s a good thing,” Ohtani said, via Sportsnet LA. “I do want to contribute more offensively. I haven’t done so this year, so I’m looking forward to doing that.”

The outing lowered Ohtani’s ERA to 0.82 through seven starts, one of the best marks in baseball, while helping Los Angeles snap a four-game losing streak against a Giants team that had entered the series with momentum.

Ohtani continues Cy Young-level dominance for Dodgers

Despite his offensive inconsistency, Ohtani has looked nearly untouchable as a pitcher during the early portion of the season. Against San Francisco, the Dodgers star struck out eight batters, allowed four hits, and leaned heavily on his fastball and sweeper while completing seven scoreless innings.

Ohtani has now completed seven innings in consecutive starts after not surpassing six innings at any point last season while recovering from elbow surgery. The Dodgers have continued managing his workload carefully with a six-man rotation and additional rest days away from the lineup.

Dodgers balancing Ohtani’s workload amid offensive slump

Ohtani didn’t appear in the batting lineup during Wednesday’s start and is also expected to sit out the series finale as the Dodgers attempt to help him reset offensively.

The 31-year-old recently endured a 13-game home run drought and has produced only seven home runs with a .796 OPS so far this season, numbers below the standard he established over the past several years.

Still, Ohtani expressed confidence in his overall condition while emphasizing that he can still impact games through pitching if his bat is not producing consistently. “Ideal situation is to be great on both sides of the ball,” Ohtani said. “But how I look at it is, if I’m not contributing offensively, then I know I can contribute on the pitching side of things.”

After the game, Ohtani acknowledged the reasoning behind the approach. “If there was a situation where I was hitting well, I’m sure the team would want me to pitch and hit as well. I understand in this situation where just focus on the pitching, turn the page on hitting, I understand that the team might think like that.” he said through his interpreter, according to SportsNet LA.

The outing itself was strong. Ohtani delivered seven innings, his longest appearance of the season, allowing just two runs while striking out eight batters. However, a lack of run support once again proved costly, as the Dodgers managed only one run in the loss.

Strong performance on the mound highlights Ohtani’s value

Despite taking the loss, Ohtani showed why the Dodgers trust him in a pitching-focused role. He allowed only four hits across seven innings, with the damage limited to solo home runs by Christian Walker and Braden Shewmake.

The outing reinforced his ability to control games from the mound, especially at a time when the team is searching for consistency. With zero walks and efficient command, Ohtani demonstrated the kind of dominance that can anchor the rotation.

Offensive struggles influence Dodgers’ strategy

At the plate, Ohtani has been part of the broader struggles affecting the Dodgers’ lineup. The reigning MVP is hitting .240 with a .382 on-base percentage, along with six home runs and 14 RBIs this season.

More notably, he is in the middle of a slump, going hitless in his last five games (0-for-17). That stretch has likely influenced the team’s decision to temporarily limit his role and allow him to reset offensively while continuing to contribute as a pitcher.

As the series continues, Ohtani is expected to return to the lineup as a hitter, but for now, the Dodgers appear focused on managing his workload and maximizing his effectiveness in one role at a time.

Prior to the game, Roberts informed the media that Ohtani would pull double duty as a two-way player on Tuesday, but he shifted plans following the victory, announcing that the Japanese superstar will focus solely on his start on the mound.

Ohtani put together a productive performance in the opener, recording two runs, two walks, and two RBIs. Despite going hitless in three at-bats, his presence helped fuel an 8-3 victory on Monday.

While other clubs are scrambling to find a rhythm—like the New York Mets, who recently found some relief after beating the Colorado Rockies—the Dodgers remain focused on their World Series title defense.

Ohtani’s performance on the mound

As one of the few players capable of elite production as both a pitcher and a hitter, Ohtani is proving that the years spent developing his two-way talent with the Angels have reached a peak in Los Angeles.

With the Dodgers’ coaching staff fully trusting him in the rotation, Ohtani has pitched to a 2-1 record across five starts. His numbers on the hill have been dominant, posting 34 strikeouts, a 0.60 ERA, and a 0.87 WHIP through 30.0 innings.

Now, with the Japanese standout set to focus entirely on the mound, the Astros will need to overhaul their offensive strategy if they hope to bounce back and take the second game of the series.

Roberts responded indirectly to Counsell’s comments, saying: “The thing is it certainly benefits us because we have the player… We’re more than willing for other teams to go out and find a player who can do both. He’s an exception because he’s an exceptional player. It is what it is.”

Roberts’ remarks were shared by Fabian Ardaya, who asked the Los Angeles Dodgers manager about Counsell’s earlier comments ahead of a game in Los Angeles. Counsell had not only labeled the “Ohtani rule” as bizarre, but also questioned his understanding of it, suggesting it creates a notable advantage for the Dodgers.

What Counsell said about the Ohtani rule

For Counsell, the rule gives teams like the Dodgers a unique edge when they have a player like Ohtani, allowing him to contribute both offensively and defensively under special conditions. However, the rule is not exclusive to Los Angeles, as any team can benefit from it if they roster a qualifying two-way player, such as Shota Imanaga for the Cubs.

“I’ve never understood it,” Counsell said. “It’s an offensive rule, essentially. It’s a rule to help offense, more than anything, if you ask me. And then there’s one team that’s allowed to carry basically one of both, and he gets special consideration, which is probably the most bizarre rule. For one team.”

MLB’s two-way player rule allows versatile players like Ohtani to pitch and hit without taking up a traditional pitcher roster spot. To qualify, a player must log at least 20 innings pitched and appear in at least 20 games as a hitter with three or more plate appearances over the current or previous two seasons. This designation effectively gives teams added roster flexibility when deploying elite two-way talent.

The Japanese star, in doing so, matched the achievement of “Wee” Willie Keeler, posting the third-longest streak in Dodgers history since 1900. Ohtani firmly etches his name into the franchise’s all-time history.

“I was hoping he’d get that last at-bat and give him an opportunity to change the game,” manager Dave Roberts said to the press. “And he found a way to get on base. It was good to see it, and that’s quite the streak. And you’ve got to be pretty dang good to do something like that. He’s in a class by himself.”

Dodgers nearly let the game slip away

The Colorado Rockies defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night. Despite early home runs from Kyle Tucker and Dalton Rushing that gave the Dodgers a 3-1 lead, Colorado’s bullpen shut them down for the final seven innings.

The game finally was decided in the sixth inning when Troy Johnston hit a clutch two-run double to put the Rockies ahead for good.

More records for Ohtani

Since joining the franchise, Shohei Ohtani has completely rewritten the Dodgers’ record books. He holds the single-season franchise record for home runs (55) and extra-base hits (99), and he famously became the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50/50 season (54 HRs and 59 SBs) in 2024.

“Twenty minutes before first pitch, he said, ‘Hey, go hit a home run today.’ I said, ‘Alright Sho, I got you.’ Sure enough, it happened in my last at-bat,” Rushing told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain following the victory.

Rushing’s blast provided the exclamation point on a contest that was already well in hand, ending in an 8-2 rout. The young catcher didn’t just provide the fireworks; he turned in a massive box-score performance against the New York pitching staff. Finishing 2-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored, Rushing solidified himself as the standout performer in Wednesday’s finale.

While Edwin Diaz raised concerns for the Dodgers, the real story remains the sheer depth of the Los Angeles roster. Manager Dave Roberts continues to find production from every corner of the clubhouse, a luxury that has separated the Dodgers from the rest of the league early this season.

Is Ohtani pacing toward another MVP campaign?

Ohtani remains the perennial focal point of the MVP conversation. By continuing to redefine the boundaries of the sport, he has made it nearly impossible to discuss the greatest players in baseball history without mentioning his name first.

Currently, Ohtani is slashing .254/.402/.508 with a .910 OPS, figures that mirror his previous MVP-winning campaigns. Through 64 at-bats, he has tallied five home runs and 16 hits, proving to be the engine that drives the high-powered Dodgers offense.

Rushing’s historic start to the season

In just his second big-league season, Rushing is making a loud case for more playing time, launching four home runs in a mere 17 at-bats, trailing Ohtani by just one for the team lead. His early-season slash line of .529/.556/1.353 (1.908 OPS) with nine hits and seven runs scored is nothing short of historic for a reserve player.

Rushing’s breakout provides the Dodgers with a lethal offensive alternative in a lineup that is already among the most feared in the game. His confidence at the plate has turned him into a key asset for Roberts as the Dodgers continue their surge through the National League.