LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani has continued to be available as a designated hitter, but is still working his way back for another potential appearance on the mound this season.
Ohtani was throwing to catcher Will Smith in the outfield before the game against the Kansas City Royals on Monday, Aug. 10.
The four-time MVP was last seen restarting his pitching progression at Chase Field on Aug. 8, according to MLB.com's Sonja Chen. It was the first time he's been seen doing those activities since July 22, when he threw his latest bullpen session in Philadelphia.
He hasn’t pitched since July 3, unable to take the mound due to an inflamed knee.
It remains unclear when Ohtani will have his first bullpen session, according to manager Dave Roberts, but the team is hopeful he can return to the rotation in September and be ready for a postseason run.
Ohtani had previously brought to light that he was also dealing with right biceps discomfort.
Ohtani had a bullpen session postponed on Saturday, July 25, in New York. There’s an expectation that the organization would be cautious with the superstar’s workload for the rest of the regular season.
Roberts had previously stated that Ohtani is not expected to throw 100 pitches whenever he does make his return to the mound.
While the Dodgers continue to wait for Ohtani to get back on the mound, he’s managed to still make a difference at the plate, leading the team with 26 home runs and is second on the squad with 71 RBIs.
The Dodgers have struggled recently, losing eight of their last nine games. Los Angeles' only win during the stretch came in the form of a 2-1 win in 10 innings over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, Aug. 8. Ohtani had an infield single to first base that brought Kyle Tucker in to score what would be the game-winning run in the 10th inning.
The Dodgers would drop Sunday’s game and the series against the Diamondbacks with a 4-2 loss. He went 0-for-4 at the plate and struck out twice.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shohei Ohtani injury update: Dodgers star still not pitching
