Shohei Ohtani throws bullpen session, expected to pitch again during regular season
nytimes.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Shohei Ohtani threw his first bullpen session in 23 days as he works toward returning as a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, having been sidelined since July 3 due to left knee soreness and right biceps discomfort.
- Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes remains optimistic that Ohtani could pitch in a major-league game before the regular season ends, but the team is proceeding cautiously with his recovery.
- The next steps for Ohtani include additional bullpen sessions and live batting practice before potentially pitching in games, with the team mindful of managing his workload given his two-way role.
- Ohtani's knee is reportedly feeling good, though he may not be at full strength until the offseason, and the Dodgers plan to ramp him up gradually, possibly using him as an opener to build innings.
- Catcher Will Smith also showed progress by taking batting practice for the first time since June 5, with expectations for a rehab assignment to begin soon as he continues to recover from a neck injury.
