Shohei Ohtani participated in live pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been encouraged by the updates he’s received regarding the two-way star.
“I didn’t check in with Shohei, but from the coaches, it’s been really positive,” Roberts said during his pregame media availability. “I think 30 pitches, six hitters. We’re getting there.”
Roberts believes Ohtani has a few more steps to take before he is ready to return to the mound as a starter for Los Angeles.
“If it was up to Shohei, he would be in a game (pitching) in a few days, but I would assume he’ll have another live BP,” Roberts said. “We are going to talk to him and get with the training staff as well.”
Ohtani hasn’t pitched in an MLB game
since July 3, unable to take the mound due to knee inflammation.
“I think (the knee injury is) behind us,” Roberts said. “Certainly, given the build-up, I think we will be able to manage it; it's going to be a slow, one, two, three-inning situation.”
Roberts remained open to the idea of Ohtani making full-length starts during the postseason.
“The most important thing is how he’s feeling and how we get there,” Roberts added. “He has to pass some tests and markers.”
Ohtani’s return will also provide some flexibility for the Dodgers' rotation, which has dealt with adversity in recent weeks but has also gotten healthier with the addition of Tarik Skubal and the return of Blake Snell. Tyler Glasnow is also expected to return within the next week.
Is Shohei Ohtani an MVP candidate?
Ohtani is considered to be in a two-player race alongside Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs.
With the Dodgers’ star expected to return to the mound, it could help strengthen his resume, with his batting numbers similar to PCA's at this point in the season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shohei Ohtani injury update: When could Dodgers star pitch again?
