Shohei Ohtani is progressing towards a return to pitching, having thrown to live batters for the first time on Saturday. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned that Ohtani could pitch in a game as early as next week, following his positive session where he threw 30 pitches. Will Smith's impending return from injury also bodes well for the team as he prepares for a rehab assignment. Ohtani's recovery from a lingering knee issue seems promising, allowing the Dodgers to carefully build his workload as they approach the postseason.

By the Numbers
  • Ohtani threw 30 pitches during his live batting practice session.
  • Will Smith has been on the injured list since June 11 but will begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday.
State of Play
  • Ohtani will likely throw to batters once more next week in Atlanta.
  • The Dodgers' rotation includes Tarik Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Blake Snell, among others.
  • Several injured players, including Justin Wrobleski and Edwin D铆az, are on track for return in early September.
What's Next

Ohtani's next live batting session will be crucial in determining if he is fit for game action. If all goes well, Ohtani could make his return as a starting pitcher in the upcoming week. The Dodgers are cautiously managing his return to ensure he can contribute effectively in the postseason.

Bottom Line

Ohtani's return is a significant boost for the Dodgers, who aim to solidify their rotation as they head into the crucial final month of the season. His ability to pitch effectively after recovery will be key to the Dodgers' postseason success.