Ohtani throws 30 pitches in bullpen; Manager Roberts: The real test lies in the landing foot's ability to bear weight

While playing away in Philadelphia today, Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani conducted a rare bullpen workout, totaling roughly 30 pitches. Manager Dave Roberts believes the outcome of this session is a crucial indicator for evaluating his return to the pitcher's mound.

Ohtani's last game as a pitcher was on July 4. Since then, he has received injections for a left knee injury. Because this condition does not affect his hitting, he has continued to serve as the starting designated hitter while unable to pitch. Originally scheduled to start in the final game of the three-game series against the Phillies, he was ultimately pulled due to the knee issue.

Today he completed this bullpen session on the road. Roberts revealed that the team originally planned for Ohtani to step onto the mound before the weekend road series against the New York Mets, but Ohtani felt good and started earlier. "The fact that he was able to get on the mound today is a very important positive sign."

Roberts further explained: "Playing catch on flat ground or grass is no problem, and his arm condition remains excellent. The real test is when he steps off the mound and exerts force—whether he can smoothly transfer his weight onto his front foot. That is the biggest challenge for his knee."

As for when Ohtani will actually return to the mound, Roberts still cannot provide a precise timeline. However, he admitted that although Ohtani has been resting, he likely won't need to completely start over to build up his pitch count. Still, expecting him to throw 100 pitches in his first game back is absolutely impossible.