The Los Angeles Dodgers have paused Shohei Ohtani's throwing program due to persistent left knee soreness and right biceps discomfort, the team confirmed on July 29, 2026.
The setback creates uncertainty around his return to the mound as the MLB trade deadline approaches.
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Ohtani last pitched on July 3, allowing three runs over six innings against the San Diego Padres.
He threw a 30-pitch bullpen session on July 22, but subsequent knee pain led to upper-body strain, prompting the team to halt his mound work while he continues as a designated hitter.
Team's Approach to Ohtani's Recovery
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained the cautious strategy.
"Trying to mitigate that, we stopped the throwing, stopped the bullpens -- hopefully, No. 1, take care of the knee and then not have him try to create velocity with the arm that's not 100%," Roberts said.
Roberts noted that Ohtani's previous bullpen session caused some regression. "I think the last 'pen that he had, there was a little bit of regression," Roberts said.
"We want to make sure that doesn't happen again."
Despite the halt, Roberts indicated Ohtani is unlikely to be shut down entirely. "Everything that I've heard, that's not the option," Roberts said.
"I guess anything's possible, but for me, it's highly unlikely."
Roberts emphasized the goal is to keep Ohtani healthy for both hitting and pitching.
"If the knee continues to get better and the arm continues to feel better, I would expect him to pitch," he said.
