Overview
- The Dodgers reported an encouraging bullpen on July 22 in which Shohei Ohtani threw roughly 30 pitches and worked his full pitch mix, a step toward returning to the mound.
- Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 after first reporting left‑knee irritation in mid‑June and receiving a lubricating Orthovisc injection during the All‑Star break as part of treatment.
- Manager Dave Roberts and pitching coach Mark Prior said the club will be cautious about workload and do not expect Ohtani to throw a 100‑pitch start immediately, with no firm timetable set.
- Limited innings have already affected award perception because MLB.com's recent Cy Young poll gave Ohtani no votes despite his strong 8‑2 record, 1.79 ERA and about 95 strikeouts in 85.2 innings.
- Dodgers staff say delivery mechanics and two‑way workload likely contributed to the irritation and the team plans a stepwise return to preserve Ohtani for the postseason and sustained two‑way value.