Dave Roberts said on September 6, 2026, that Shohei Ohtani’s pitching return remains possible, but the Los Angeles Dodgers have paused his throwing while he focuses on hitting, running and helping the team win.
“It’s not dead, but we’re not throwing,” Roberts said. He added that the Dodgers have no timetable for when Ohtani will resume throwing. Roberts said the team is prioritizing “what’s best for the team number one, and 1A what’s best for him,” after Ohtani experienced physical and mental strain before the break and four days provided a reset.
Roberts stated that he will evaluate Ohtani’s swing, barrel accuracy, mechanics, any absence of wincing and the overall quality of his at-bats. He also said Ohtani would be in the lineup and batting leadoff, adding that the team’s best player should have the most latitude, including flexibility to remain in the leadoff spot. Ohtani was happy when told he would be in the lineup and was completely fine with the temporary pitching pause, Roberts noted. Roberts explained that Ohtani is more active on the bases when he is not pitching because he does not need to conserve energy.
Roberts said Mark spoke with Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the other rotation pitcher before the rotation order was adjusted, although Roberts did not know the exact details. Yamamoto has completed his rehabilitation progression and is close to returning, Roberts acknowledged, but the Dodgers have not set a date. Roberts expects Yamamoto to complete another bullpen session, face hitters and then be ready to return.
Roberts also discussed Emmet Sheehan, saying the first 50 pitches of his outing were generally in line with expectations while pitches 51 through 91 were not the same. Roberts hopes the start will not be a one-off because the Dodgers have several starts to fill over the next couple of weeks. He also said Andy is progressing a little more every day and may go to Arizona or begin a rehabilitation assignment rather than travel with the team.