Dodgers set tentative date for Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has indicated that star Shohei Ohtani could return to the mound as early as Sunday, when the team closes out a series against the Detroit Tigers. The return is described as tentative, contingent on the outcome of Ohtani’s upcoming rehabilitation sessions.

Ohtani has progressed through a structured rehabilitation protocol, moving from throwing plyo balls to long toss, bullpen sessions, and recently stepping into live batting practice. He is currently set for a second live batting practice session or a bullpen session, which could serve as his final step before returning to competitive play.

If Ohtani feels good after Wednesday’s session, he may throw again or jump directly into the action on Sunday. Upon his return, the Dodgers are expected to limit his outing to one or two innings, a protocol similar to his previous recovery from a torn ulnar collateral ligament.

The team is balancing Ohtani’s immediate contribution to their three-peat bid with his long-term health. Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 due to left knee irritation, for which he received a lubricant injection before the All-Star Break. Despite the injury, he has continued to play every day as a designated hitter, with no reported setbacks in recent weeks.

However, there remains a gap between Ohtani’s overall health and the discomfort he may be managing. With the postseason approaching, the window to properly ramp up his pitching workload is closing. Any base-running could potentially aggravate his condition, though he has maintained a consistent playing schedule.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ pitching staff continues to navigate its own recovery timelines. Blake Snell is scheduled for a second rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma, while Ohtani’s return would provide a significant boost to the team’s rotation depth.