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Dodgers Delay Shohei Ohtani’s Return to Mound to Protect His Knee

Low-impact medicine-ball arm work aims to protect his left knee to preserve his availability for the postseason.

Jun 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) looks on before delivering a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The four-time MVP has not pitched since July 3, and Dodgers president Andrew Friedman said July 30 that the club expects Ohtani to pitch again this season but will not rush his comeback.
  • An MRI from the All-Star break showed no structural damage and the team gave the knee a lubricant injection, but officials fear he could change his pitching mechanics while it heals.
  • Los Angeles is keeping Ohtani’s right arm active with low-impact plyometric medicine-ball throws to maintain strength without stressing the left-leg landing in a full delivery.
  • Ohtani has reported right biceps soreness tied to compensating for the knee, a planned bullpen session was paused after a regression, and the club is staging ramp-ups carefully.
  • The Dodgers continue to use Ohtani as the designated hitter because he says hitting does not bother the knee, and the team does not view his mound holdback as an acute reason to trade before the Aug. 3 deadline.