Shohei Ohtani said on September 7, 2026, that he stopped pursuing a pitching return with the Los Angeles Dodgers because he was not in a condition to pitch safely.
Ohtani said increased pitching intensity brought back symptoms or discomfort, after his pitching rehabilitation and preparation had improved and worsened repeatedly over an extended period that included throwing and live-action work.
Ohtani stated that his focus is now on being available as a hitter rather than continuing the pitching progression. He added that the worst outcome would be being unable to play because of a hitting-related issue.
Ohtani explained that adapting his swing and expanding his available approaches can broaden his options as a hitter. He said acceleration and stopping movements are situations in which he feels discomfort or something different.
Ohtani's next step is to focus on hitting for the Los Angeles Dodgers while his pitching return remains stopped because he does not feel he is in a safe condition to pitch.