Shohei Ohtani finally given clear timeline for pitching return as MVP race heats up

Shohei Ohtani is closing in on his return to the mound, with the Los Angeles Dodgers star now expected to pitch in an MLB game during the first week of September.

The four-time MVP has not pitched since July 3 after dealing with lingering soreness in his left knee, with a biceps issue also complicating his recovery. He has continued to play as the Dodgers’ designated hitter during his absence.

Ohtani took another major step towards his return on Saturday, throwing 30 pitches to teammate Will Smith in live batting practice. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was encouraged by what he saw.

Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers return could come in the first week of September

Speaking on SportsCenter, Buster Olney explained that Ohtani still has some work to complete before he can return to a Major League game.

‘Yeah, Jay, and he looked good. After it was over, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters that if it were up to Shohei, he’d be back the next time he were out on the mound in a Major League game. But there’s still a rehab process to go through. Ohtani, in the week ahead, will probably throw another simulated game, and then sometime in the first week of September he’ll be back on a Major League mound in a game.

‘And then, going forward, he’ll be building his pitch count. This is classic Dodgers, right? Make sure they have their guys ready for the month of October so that when we get into the playoffs, you can see a rotation of Tarik Skubal and Blake Snell and Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani. Not a bad number four with a 1.79 ERA.’

Shohei Ohtani finally given clear timeline

Ohtani’s next major test will come during the Dodgers’ series against the Braves in Atlanta, where he is expected to throw a bullpen session. If that goes well, Los Angeles will decide whether another live session is required before his return.

The Dodgers’ next homestand runs from September 1-9, giving Ohtani a clear window to make his comeback. He is expected to begin with one inning before gradually increasing his workload.

That return could also have a major impact on the MVP race.

Ohtani has a 1.79 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 95 strikeouts across 85.2 innings this season, while his offensive numbers include 30 home runs, 80 RBIs and a 159 OPS+. He currently trails Pete Crow-Armstrong 7.9 to 6.9 in WAR.

For the Dodgers, however, October remains the priority. Roberts wants Ohtani to build towards full-length starts by the postseason, potentially giving Los Angeles one of the most formidable rotations in baseball when its title defence reaches its decisive stage.

Read more: