Shohei Ohtani is currently managing persistent injuries to his right biceps and knee, which have stalled his return to pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers as of late July 2026.
The 30-year-old two-way MLB star has been battling these conditions while continuing to hit regularly in the Dodgers' lineup.
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Ohtani pitches approximately 85-100 pitches weekly and bats five times a week, a demanding workload that adds to his physical strain.
He previously left a game on July 3 due to right biceps discomfort.
Although initially thought to be unrelated to pitching, his pitching activities appear to have aggravated both the biceps and knee issues.
After a bullpen session in Philadelphia, he experienced similar biceps tightness again.
"My bicep's not 100%. Similar issue with the knee, do we consider pushing this?
It is still July so I think the conversation would be a little different if we're in August or September," Ohtani said.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani's biceps and knee injuries are the reasons he has recently refrained from pitching bullpens.
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"I haven't heard anything about not being in the lineup, not wanting to play. Until I hear otherwise, he's going to be in the lineup," Roberts said.
Roberts added that Ohtani's presence in the batting lineup will continue as long as the injuries do not worsen from playing.
Postseason Hopes and Future Plans
Regarding the postseason, Roberts expressed hope that Ohtani will be able to pitch if his condition improves.
"If the knee continues to get better, the arm continues to feel better, I'd expect him to pitch," Roberts said.
Ohtani has indicated that the physical issues primarily stem from his pitching duties rather than his hitting.
The Dodgers plan to monitor his health cautiously but expect him to remain active in the lineup and continue pitching bullpen sessions as he feels able.
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Following the conclusion of the season, the team and Ohtani will evaluate whether surgery will be necessary to address the injuries and safeguard his pitching career.
