Ohtani Takes Key Step in Live Batting Practice

Shohei Ohtani faced teammate Will Smith in live batting practice on Saturday, throwing 30 pitches under a blazing sun in 93-degree heat at Dodger Stadium. It was his first time facing hitters since he last pitched on July 3. Among those watching were pitching coach Mark Prior, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, and fellow MVPs Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

The session ended with Ohtani giving a thumbs-up, and manager Dave Roberts described it as a good day. "We're getting there," Roberts said afterward. "If it were up to Shohei, he'd be in a game in a few days."

Ohtani has not pitched in a game since July 3 because of lingering soreness in his left knee, which is his landing leg. Roberts said the knee issue is "behind us," noting that Ohtani has adjusted his pitching mechanics to reduce pressure on the knee.

"I'd like to think the knee thing is behind us," Roberts said.

No Definitive Timeline for Return

Despite the positive step, there is no definitive timeline for Ohtani's return to the rotation. He is expected to throw at least one more live batting practice session, likely during the upcoming series in Atlanta. After that, the team will decide whether his next step is to face hitters again or return to game action.

Roberts said Ohtani could potentially pitch Sunday in Detroit, depending on how he feels after throwing a bullpen session. The Dodgers begin a series against the Tigers next weekend before returning home for a homestand starting Sept. 1 against the Cardinals.

Once Ohtani returns, he will be limited to one, two, or three innings as part of a slow buildup, similar to his recovery from Tommy John surgery last year. Roberts said the buildup will be more aggressive than last season.

"I think it's more about how the 'pen goes and, to be quite honest, how Shohei feels," Roberts said. "If he feels like he can take on a game and throw an inning, great."

The goal is for Ohtani to be able to make full-length starts by the postseason. "I could sit here and say, 'Yeah, six innings when we start the postseason,'" Roberts said, "but he's still got to do the work and get there, and he's got to pass some tests and markers. That's probably the goal, but we still got a ways to get there."

Glasnow Set for Tuesday Return

While Ohtani works his way back, Tyler Glasnow is expected to rejoin the rotation and start Tuesday in Atlanta. It will be his first start since May 6, when he was sidelined with lower back spasms and placed on the 60-day injured list. Glasnow posted a 72 ERA in seven starts to open the season before the injury.

In his rehab stint with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Glasnow got up to 77 pitches, allowing one run on one hit with nine strikeouts across 5 1/3 innings in his final start. He piled up 19 strikeouts over 11 2/3 rehab frames.

Roberts said Glasnow isn't expected to have a pitch count on Tuesday. He will rejoin a rotation of Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki.

Justin Wrobleski, who is on the injured list with left forearm inflammation, is expected to move to the bullpen when the injured starters return. Eric Lauer will also move to a piggyback role in the bullpen.

Bullpen and Injury Updates

Closer Edwin Díaz played catch Friday while on the 15-day injured list with neck inflammation. Díaz threw a bullpen session Saturday and is expected to return in lower-leverage situations after struggling with four blown saves in 11 opportunities.

Center fielder Andy Pages is on the injured list with a fractured left hand after being hit by a pitch from Pittsburgh's Bubba Chandler. Pages is reportedly leaning toward surgery and is expected to miss roughly four weeks. Alek Thomas was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill the roster spot.

Ohtani's Continued MVP-Caliber Season

Ohtani has continued to serve as the Dodgers' designated hitter during his pitching absence. He holds an NL-leading OPS+ of 159 and trails Pete Crow-Armstrong in WAR, 9 to 9. Crow-Armstrong is currently favored for MVP at -170 odds per FanDuel.

Ohtani has been a dominant force at Coors Field, where he hit two home runs in an 11-5 win over the Rockies on Monday. He has hit safely in 21 consecutive games in Denver, batting 413 with nine homers and 24 RBI during the streak. On the mound, he had an 8-2 record with a 79 ERA in 14 starts before the injury.

As the Dodgers lead the NL West and chase the Brewers for the best record, Ohtani's return could add another formidable arm to a rotation already projected as one of the best in baseball.