Ohtani Recovery Update
Shohei Ohtani Continues Recovery with Issue-Free Bullpen Session, Nearing Next Stage
Shohei Ohtani is one step closer to returning to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two-way superstar came through a bullpen session on Friday without any issues and will throw another one as he works back from a left knee injury, according to AP. If that next session goes well, he could advance to throwing batting practice.
Ohtani has not pitched since July 3. He had lubricant injected into his left knee on July 12, which also caused him to miss the All-Star Game. Before the injury, he had been one of the best pitchers in baseball, posting an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings, according to AP.
Friday Bullpen Session Clears Key Hurdle
Ohtani threw his bullpen session Friday and felt no setbacks, WTOP reported. That clears a key step in his recovery plan. The Dodgers are taking things one session at a time. Each bullpen outing without pain or problems moves him closer to a full return.
The next milestone would be throwing batting practice to live hitters. That is a bigger step than a bullpen session. It would test his knee under more game-like conditions. Dodgers officials have not set a firm date for when that might happen, according to The Facts.
Left Knee Injury Sidelined Ohtani Since July 3
Ohtani's knee problems started before the injection. He last pitched on July 3. His team then had lubricant — a fluid that helps joints move smoothly — injected into the knee on July 12, according to Houston Chronicle. That procedure kept him out of the All-Star Game, one of baseball's biggest annual showcases.
The injury is a significant blow for a player doing something almost no one else in baseball does. Ohtani both pitches and hits at an elite level in the same season. Missing weeks on the mound puts a dent in his historic 2025 season, though his numbers remain elite, per BDT Online.
Ohtani's 2025 Pitching Stats Still Elite Despite Absence
Before the injury, Ohtani had been nearly untouchable. He went 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA — a measure of runs allowed per nine innings, where lower is better. He also struck out 95 batters in just 85 2/3 innings, according to Lancaster Online. Those numbers rank among the best in all of baseball this year.
A 1.79 ERA is exceptionally low. For context, pitchers with an ERA under 3.00 are generally considered very good. Ohtani is well below that bar. If he returns healthy, the Dodgers would get back one of their most valuable weapons in a season where they are chasing another championship.
What Comes Next on Ohtani's Road Back
The Dodgers are following a cautious, step-by-step plan. First came the bullpen session. Next comes another bullpen outing. After that, batting practice. Only then would a rehab assignment or game appearance be on the table, according to Las Vegas Sun.
There is no set timeline for when Ohtani could take the mound in a real game. The Dodgers are not rushing. A setback now could cost him more weeks — or the rest of the season. For now, Friday's clean session is the best news the team could have asked for, per Winnipeg Free Press.
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