Shohei Ohtani's Timeline to Return to Dodgers' Rotation After Knee Injury Discussed by Dave Roberts

Three weeks since he last pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani is going to be held back for at least one more week.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters prior to their series opener against the New York Mets it "won't be next week" when Ohtani pitches in a game even though he is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday:

"That's too early. I feel very good that it won't be next week. Every player wants to get back out there and do what they do. But I think he understands it's not about July, it's about October. So, we've already taken a lot of time to get him back to full health, so we're not going to start earlier than we need to."

Roberts added it's a "fluid" situation with Ohtani right now because they want to see how his knee responds in the days after throwing off a mound:

"Honestly, I think it's just to be fluid with Shohei. The bullpen went well and today he feels good. If tomorrow feels good to throw the pen, great. And if it doesn't, then we'll kick it. I think that's the beauty of where we're at right now. And so, we're not going to push him. There's constant conversation going on each day, but I think the main thing with Shohei with this pitching thing is to just remain nimble."

Saturday will mark Ohtani's second bullpen session of the week. His first one came on Wednesday in Philadelphia when he threw 30 pitches.

"It looked good. Feels good. We'll see where he's at tomorrow," Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior said after the session. "I mean, there's not too much to elaborate on. But he's going to hit tonight, and go to work."

Ohtani's last pitching appearance was against the San Diego Padres on July 3. His next start was scheduled for July 10, but the Dodgers announced that day he would not pitch and would miss the All-Star Game due to "continued irritation in his left knee."

The four-time MVP has continued in his role as designated hitter while dealing with the knee injury. He is hitting .250/.279/.475 in 10 games since July 10.

Ohtani is one of several injured starting pitchers for the Dodgers right now, though they could be getting reinforcements soon. Blake Snell made his second rehab start on Friday and could rejoin the rotation in August.

Tyler Glasnow, who has been out since May 6 due to a back injury, threw against live hitters for the first time on Friday. There is no set timetable for his return, but the expectation is for him to pitch at some point in the regular season.

The Dodgers are also rumored to have serious interest in acquiring Tarik Skubal if the Detroit Tigers move him prior to the Aug. 3 trade deadline, though the Tigers' recent hot streak has brought them within 3.5 games of a playoff spot and just five games behind the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central.

Ohtani was in the NL Cy Young race before the knee injury knocked him off course. He owns a 1.79 ERA with 95 strikeouts in 85.2 innings over 14 starts.

Even with all of their pitching injuries right now, the Dodgers (66-38) are cruising toward their 13th NL West title in the last 14 seasons. They are 11 games ahead of the Diamondbacks in the division and lead the Milwaukee Brewers by 1.5 games for the best overall record in MLB.