Ohtani Throws Heat: Massive Step Toward Dodgers Return
Shohei Ohtani Takes Big Step Toward Pitching Return: A Simple Guide for Baseball Fans
Quick Summary: Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani threw his first practice session in over three weeks! The team is hopeful he’ll pitch again this regular season after a knee injury sidelined him since early July.
What Happened?
After the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 on Friday, manager Dave Roberts shared great news about two key players:
| Player | Injury | Status Update |
|---|---|---|
| Shohei Ohtani | Left knee | Threw 35-pitch bullpen session — first since July 3 |
| Will Smith (Catcher) | Neck | Pain-free for 10 days; took batting practice & caught bullpen |
Wait — What’s a "Bullpen Session"?
ELI5 Explanation:
Think of a bullpen session like a practice rehearsal for a pitcher. Instead of facing real batters in a game, the pitcher throws to a catcher off to the side of the field (in the "bullpen"). It lets coaches check:
- How the pitcher’s arm feels
- If all their different pitches (fastball, slider, etc.) are working
- Whether they’re ready for the next step
The Step-by-Step Plan for Ohtani’s Return
Roberts laid out a clear roadmap — no rushing!
- Done: First bullpen session (35 pitches, used full pitch mix)
- Next: 1–2 more bullpen sessions (every 2–5 days)
- Then: At least 2 live batting practice sessions (facing real hitters)
- Finally: Return to a real MLB game — likely as a 1-inning opener to start
Important Callout:
"If we stay the course, he’ll throw a bullpen in 2–5 days… and then I think we’ll be out of the woods."
— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
Why This Matters: Ohtani Is Two Players in One
Shohei Ohtani isn’t just a pitcher — he’s a rare "two-way" superstar. Even while hurt, he’s been dominating as a Designated Hitter (DH) — meaning he only bats, doesn’t play defense.
His 2026 Season So Far (Through Friday)
| Role | Key Stats |
|---|---|
| As a Hitter (DH) | .290 avg / .390 on-base / .540 slug • 27 HR • 74 RBI |
| As a Pitcher | 8–2 record • 1.79 ERA • 95 strikeouts in 85⅔ innings |
Fun Fact: An ERA (Earned Run Average) under 2.00 is elite — like getting straight A’s in the hardest class.
What About Catcher Will Smith?
- Injury: Neck issue (hasn’t played since June 5)
- Good News: Pain-free for 10 days + handled batting practice & caught a bullpen Friday
- Timeline: Roberts didn’t expect him back before September — that still holds
Why it matters: Smith is an All-Star catcher and team leader. Getting him back strengthens the whole defense — especially for when Ohtani returns to pitch.
What This Means for the Dodgers
| If Ohtani Returns to Pitch… | Impact |
|---|---|
| Rotation Boost | Adds a frontline starter (1.79 ERA!) for playoff push |
| Flexibility | Can use him as "opener" (1 inning) to ease workload |
| Morale | Team sees their $700M superstar healthy & competitive |
Remember: The Dodgers are being careful, not rushed. They want Ohtani for October, not just August.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Why hasn’t Ohtani pitched since July 3?
He’s dealing with a left knee injury — likely soreness or inflammation from the torque of pitching. The Dodgers shut him down to let it heal fully.
2. What does "used his entire mix" mean?
He threw all his pitch types — fastball, slider, splitter, curve, etc. — not just fastballs. That’s a huge sign his arm and knee feel good.
3. What’s an "opener"?
Instead of starting the game and pitching 5–6 innings, an opener pitches only the 1st inning (sometimes 2). It lets a pitcher build stamina slowly and face the top of the lineup once.
4. Can Ohtani still hit while rehabbing his knee?
Yes! He played DH Friday (0-for-3, 1 walk). Hitting puts less stress on the landing knee than pitching does.
5. When might we see Ohtani pitch in a real game?
If all goes well: late August or early September — giving him a few weeks to ramp up before playoffs.
Final Summary
| Good News | What’s Next |
|---|---|
| Ohtani threw 35-pitch bullpen — first in 3+ weeks | 1–2 more bullpens in coming days |
| Felt good, used all his pitches | Then 2+ live BP sessions vs. hitters |
| Dodgers hopeful for regular-season return | Likely starts as 1-inning opener |
| Will Smith (catcher) pain-free 10 days | Targeting September return |
Bottom Line: The Dodgers’ two biggest stars are trending up. If both return healthy, LA becomes even scarier for the playoffs.
Source: ESPN / Associated Press | Game: Dodgers 3, Brewers 1 (Aug 14, 2026)