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Dodgers Scratch Shohei Ohtani After Knee Soreness and Keep Pitching Return Undecided

The club is using brief rest, an Orthovisc injection and staged throwing to protect his ability to pitch late in the season.

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Jul 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) hits an RBI double during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Dodgers held Ohtani out of the lineup Thursday after he reported renewed left‑knee soreness and the training staff recommended a precautionary day off.
  • Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 and received a lubricating Orthovisc injection over the All‑Star break as the club followed a stepwise throwing plan that has shown progress and some regression.
  • After the one‑game rest he returned Friday as the designated hitter and leadoff batter, with the team continuing to use him in the lineup while limiting mound work.
  • Dodgers officials say they expect him to pitch this season but have set no firm mound‑return date and have not ruled out placing him on the injured list as they balance his two‑way value and October readiness.
  • The situation is shaping roster and rotation planning before the trade deadline, and it has intensified public debate over how the club should weigh short‑term play against protecting Ohtani’s long‑term availability.