Shohei Ohtani Skips Bullpen Session With Knee "Regression"

Key Points:

• Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani's bullpen session scheduled for Saturday was canceled due to inadequate recovery from a recent 31-pitch workout, indicating a setback in his rehabilitation from right knee inflammation.
• Ohtani has been sidelined since early July, received an injection over the All-Star break, but was scratched from his first start post-injection; manager Dave Roberts noted Ohtani's progress has stalled and he is not yet at 100%.
• Despite the setback, Roberts expects Ohtani to pitch again this season and continue as an everyday hitter, though Ohtani's July batting performance (.760 OPS) has been below his MVP standards.
• Before his injury, Ohtani was a strong contender in the NL Cy Young race, boasting a 1.79 ERA through 14 starts and consistently pitching deep into games, though with fewer strikeouts than in previous seasons.
• The Dodgers' rotation has faced multiple injuries this year, with key pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell sidelined, but Justin Wrobleski and Eric Lauer have stepped up, while the team currently operates with a traditional five-man rotation without a direct replacement for Ohtani.