Shohei Ohtani's Potential Pitching Return Date Revealed

Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way star Shohei Ohtani has not thrown a pitch since early July, but he may be back in the rotation by the end of the week. According to Jack Harris of the California Post, Ohtani will participate in a bullpen or live batting practice session before Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Braves, with Sunday's matchup against the Detroit Tigers potentially being his first game back.

Ohtani's knee issue led to his absence from the mound since July 3, as he sustained the injury during that game. He missed the All-Star Game after receiving a lubricant injection in his knee, but his return to pitching has been delayed due to a minor biceps injury that occurred after the All-Star break. Ohtani has since thrown two bullpens as part of his recovery process.

Prior to his injury, Ohtani had been the Dodgers' most effective starting pitcher, recording a 1.79 ERA over 85.2 innings pitched and striking out 95 batters. With Ohtani's return, the Dodgers' rotation will consist of six starters, restoring the preferred team configuration. Tyler Glasnow has returned from the injured list, joining Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki in the rotation.

Justin Wrobleski, who served as the primary starter for much of the season, is currently injured and Eric Lauer moved to the bullpen before Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.