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Shohei Ohtani provided another update on his pitching progression after helping the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 11-5 at Coors Field.
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Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 while dealing with left knee inflammation and right biceps discomfort. The Dodgers have continued to take a cautious approach as they work toward getting their two-way star back on the mound.
That progression has recently moved forward. Ohtani resumed throwing earlier this month and completed a 34-pitch bullpen session Friday, his first since July 22. The Dodgers remain hopeful he can return in September if his body continues to respond well.
Shohei Ohtani provided an encouraging update on his knee after his latest bullpen session. According to Jack Harris of the California Post, Ohtani said his knee felt good after last week’s bullpen and that he is scheduled for another session. He also expressed hope that the knee issue is behind him and that there will be no further setbacks as he continues building back toward pitching.
Shohei Ohtani said his knee felt good after last week’s bullpen, and is scheduled for another one tomorrow
He is hopeful his knee injury is behind him now, and that there won’t be any more setbacks in his ramp-up as a pitcher
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) August 18, 2026
Ohtani’s latest update comes after another huge night at the plate. He went 4-for-5 against Colorado with two home runs, three RBIs and four runs scored, bringing his season home run total to 29.
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The offensive production has allowed Los Angeles to keep Ohtani in the lineup while his pitching comeback remains on hold. He has continued to contribute without forcing the Dodgers to accelerate his throwing schedule.
The Dodgers have not established a firm date for Ohtani’s return to the mound. His next steps are expected to include additional bullpen work before he eventually faces live hitters.
For now, the priority remains making sure Ohtani is healthy enough to handle the demands of pitching again. With the Dodgers pushing toward another postseason run, a healthy Ohtani could give the club another major weapon down the stretch.
If his knee and biceps continue to improve, the Dodgers could have their two-way star back on the mound for the stretch run. The timing will depend on how he responds to each stage of the throwing progression.
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This story was originally published August 18, 2026 at 9:14 AM.