The essentials
Ohtani's knee injury continues affecting his pitching recovery more than three weeks after his last appearance.
Shohei Ohtani has not pitched since July 3, with left knee irritation now complicating his recovery. The two-way star received a lubricant injection before the All-Star break to address the ongoing knee issue.
Ohtani showed regression after throwing 30 pitches in Philadelphia, raising concerns about his readiness to return to the mound. He subsequently skipped a bullpen session due to left knee irritation, indicating the injury remains problematic as the team evaluates his pitching status.
The extended absence from the mound represents a significant factor in the Dodgers' rotation planning for the remainder of the 2026 season. His knee condition will likely determine the timeline for his full pitching duties.
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Injection precedes pitching setback in Ohtani recovery
The lubricant injection administered before the All-Star break preceded Ohtani's regression after throwing in Philadelphia. His subsequent knee irritation forcing a bullpen session cancellation suggests the injection did not resolve the underlying issue. The progression from injection to setback to session cancellation indicates the knee condition remains active and unresolved.
Extended pitching absence strains Dodgers rotation depth
Ohtani's absence from the mound since July 3 extends beyond five weeks, creating significant rotation gaps for Los Angeles. His knee irritation preventing bullpen participation limits the team's ability to build his conditioning toward return. The lack of pitching progress complicates the Dodgers' second-half planning and depth management as the season continues.