Dodgers Provide Update on Shohei Ohtani Pitching Timeline

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke about Shohei Ohtani’s hiatus from pitching on ESPN’s broadcast of LA’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, and provided a general timeline for when the two-way star may return to the mound.

When asked about Ohtani’s status, Roberts said it will be “at least a week to 10 days” until the Dodgers think about having their ace pitch again.

Ohtani has dealt with a lingering issue in his knee since June, and it has impacted his playing time for both the Dodgers and the NL All-Stars. Ohtani missed one of his scheduled starts before the All-Star break, then missed a game entirely while dealing with the injury.

Additionally, the reigning MVP missed the All-Star game while he underwent a procedure on his knee.

Prior to Sunday’s doubleheader against the New York Yankees, Roberts revealed Ohtani would not pitch in his next schedule start, which would have been against the Phillies on Wednesday in the series finale.

“Shohei’s not going to start on Wednesday,” Roberts said. “His knee, we just want to continue to give it the best chance to get into a good spot. As he said, as we feel, it’s the pitching and the torque of landing on that leg that gets it upset. I think that the hitting doesn’t do that, so we’re trying to give it as much time as possible.”

What Are the Dodgers Missing With Shohei Ohtani on the Sidelines?

While they still have plenty of talent to fill in for Ohtani, it will be difficult to replicate the results MLB’s only two-way player has produced so far this season.

Ohtani has only made 14 starts on the season, but has made the most of each of his appearances on the mound in 2026. He has a 1.79 ERA through his starts, which span 85.2 innings pitched. He also has 95 strikeouts this season.

Who Will Replace Shohei Ohtani in the 6-Man Rotation?

Justin Wrobleski will stand in for Ohtani in the final game of the series, but that still leaves the issue of who will replace the right-hander while he remains sidelined.

Two-Time Cy Young winner Blake Snell is due back from his stint on the injured list shortly, having already begun his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Regardless of Snell’s status, the Dodgers will hope Ohtani can get over the hump with his knee issue and continue his two-way duties.