Dave Roberts said on September 1, 2026, that the Los Angeles Dodgers are considering shutting down Shohei Ohtani's pitching for the remainder of the 2026 season, but have not made that decision.
“It is an option. It's an option. We're not there quite yet,” Roberts said. Ohtani must throw a bullpen session before the Dodgers determine his next progression, and Roberts noted that playing corner outfield is not currently available to him because of arm and knee issues. Ohtani remains aligned with Mark, the pitching staff and the training staff during his rehabilitation.
Roberts explained that the Dodgers must weigh Ohtani's pitching workload against its potential effect on his health and offensive performance. Ohtani is doing plyometric work several times a week, but Roberts stated that he has not played catch or long-tossed since Friday. Roberts also said Ohtani took a couple of walks in the preceding game and that the Dodgers would probably face four or five opposing pitchers.
The Dodgers plan to call up another pitcher at some point during the week following September 1, 2026, while continuing to assess the rotation. Roberts said Gavin Stone's rehabilitation priority is remaining healthy, adding that Stone could possibly impact the Dodgers in September 2026.
Roberts noted that Roki Sasaki's blister is healing well and that a short-term return is expected, probably after the Dodgers leave their current homestand. He added that the expectation is for Sasaki to return to the rotation, with his final role depending on the Dodgers' rotation when he is ready.
Roberts also welcomed former Dodger Chris Taylor back to throw the first pitch and praised Taylor's contributions and charity work with his wife, Mary. “Chris was a very good Dodger,” Roberts said, while the Dodgers' next specific pitching step remains Ohtani's bullpen session and the planned call-up of another pitcher during the week following September 1, 2026.