Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Outlines Shohei Ohtani’s Pitching Timeline Amid Knee Injury

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided a specific timeline for Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound during an ESPN broadcast of the team’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Roberts stated that the club will not consider having the two-way star pitch again for “at least a week to 10 days.” This update follows Ohtani’s resumption of throwing during pregame sessions on July 21, 2026, with the aim of returning to the rotation later in the week.

The injury has been a persistent concern for Ohtani since June, significantly impacting his availability for both the Dodgers and the National League All-Stars. The reigning MVP missed a scheduled start prior to the All-Star break and was unable to participate in the All-Star Game itself following a knee procedure. Roberts previously indicated that Ohtani would not start on Wednesday against the Phillies to allow his knee to recover from the torque associated with landing on that leg during pitching motions.

Despite the setback, Ohtani’s performance on the mound has remained elite when active. He has made 14 starts this season, recording a 1.79 earned run average over 85.2 innings pitched. His dominance on the mound has been complemented by 95 strikeouts, underscoring the difficulty the Dodgers face in replicating his dual-role production while he is sidelined.

To manage the immediate roster gap, Justin Wrobleski is scheduled to start in place of Ohtani for the final game of the series against the New York Yankees. While the Dodgers possess significant depth to fill in for Ohtani’s absence, the team continues to monitor his progress closely. Roberts noted that hitting does not place the same stress on the knee as pitching, suggesting Ohtani may continue to contribute as a designated hitter while his arm recovers.

In addition to managing Ohtani’s return, the Dodgers are also tracking the progress of two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell. Snell is nearing his return from the injured list after beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Roberts described Snell as being due back shortly, providing the team with another potential option to bolster the rotation once Ohtani is cleared to pitch again.