Ohtani's pitching return delayed again as Dodgers say they won't rush

Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers has been pushed back again. Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani will continue throwing bullpen sessions next week rather than making a game appearance as a pitcher, adding that the team will not rush his comeback until his knee is fully healed. Ohtani played as the designated hitter Saturday against the New York Mets, going 2-for-4 with an RBI to help the Dodgers to a victory.

Speaking to reporters before the game at Citi Field in New York on Saturday, Roberts said Ohtani would not return to pitching duties within the coming week.

"Ohtani is planning additional bullpen sessions instead of pitching in a game," Roberts said. "His condition isn't bad right now, but he needs enough time to fully recover. We're not going to rush his return."

Ohtani had been managing left knee pain while serving as a two-way player before skipping the All-Star Game to focus on treatment during the break, including receiving injections.

His knee did not return to full health, however, and he threw about 30 pitches in a bullpen session on Thursday to assess his condition.

Because of the knee injury, Ohtani has not taken the mound in the second half of the season and has been limited to designated hitter duties. As a pitcher this season, he holds an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA, while at the plate he is batting .286 with 22 home runs, 61 RBIs and an OPS of .919.

Batting leadoff as the designated hitter Saturday, Ohtani went 2-for-4 with an RBI as the Dodgers won 4-2. Roki Sasaki started for Los Angeles and turned in a strong outing, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out nine over seven innings for his fourth win of the season against five losses, with an ERA of 4.71.