Shohei Ohtani’s Pitching Return Uncertain After Reporting Discomfort
Shohei Ohtani's pitching return with the Dodgers is now uncertain after he reported not feeling 100% following a bullpen session on Friday, impacting earlier expectations.
New York, NY, August 29, 2026 —
The anticipated return of Shohei Ohtani to pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers has become uncertain, following a report that the star player experienced discomfort during a bullpen session on Friday. This development casts doubt on earlier timelines and expectations for his pitching comeback.
Ohtani, who has been sidelined from pitching due to an elbow injury that required surgery, had been progressing towards a return to the mound. However, his status has shifted after the bullpen workout. He reportedly informed the team that he was not feeling 100 percent following the session. The specific nature of the discomfort or any potential implications for his treatment plan were not immediately detailed.
This news comes as a significant blow to the Dodgers, who have been managing Ohtani’s workload carefully, emphasizing his recovery process. Expectations had been building for his eventual return to two-way play, a unique capability that makes him one of baseball’s most prominent figures. The uncertainty now surrounding his pitching future will likely lead to adjustments in the team’s strategy and pitching rotation plans.
Further updates on Ohtani’s condition and the revised outlook for his pitching return are anticipated as the Dodgers assess the situation. The team has not yet provided a specific timeline for when a decision will be made regarding his next steps on the mound.
Story summarized from the original created by Jack Harris on nypost.com, see more information here.