Overview
- Ohtani threw a 35‑pitch bullpen session on Friday and came out of the workout without issues, the Dodgers said.
- The club will schedule at least one more bullpen, then live batting practice, and would return him to a major‑league start only if those steps go smoothly.
- Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 after left‑knee irritation led to a lubricant injection on July 12 that kept him out of the All‑Star Game.
- His 2026 totals to date include an 8‑2 pitching record with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in about 85 2/3 innings plus a .290 average with 27 homers and 74 RBIs at the plate.
- The Dodgers expect a possible September pitching return if there are no setbacks, a prospect that could shift the NL MVP race and affect how the club deploys added rotation depth.