Dodgers get worrying Shohei Ohtani pitching update amid lingering injury issue

The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a worrisome situation with their star player Shohei Ohtani, as he continues to grapple with lingering injury issues. Since early July, Ohtani has been sidelined due to a left knee problem and a bicep issue, which has affected his pitching performance. While he remains in the lineup and contributing with his batting, his return to the mound has become increasingly uncertain.

According to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez, the latest update on Ohtani's condition is not positive. Following his latest bullpen session, Ohtani still experienced discomfort in his left knee, leading to an abbreviated session. This has raised concerns among the Dodgers and their fans, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stating that he does not believe Ohtani is 100% ready to return.

While there have been some improvements, it appears that Ohtani's knee issue persists, which has led to speculation that he may only pitch the first inning against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. The Dodgers are cautious not to rush Ohtani back into starting games too soon, as doing so could result in further injury and potentially impact his batting abilities as well.

Instead, a more prudent approach might be for him to pitch just the first inning, allowing him to gradually ease back into pitching without overexerting himself. This cautious approach is in line with the team's desire to protect their star player and maintain a competitive edge in the upcoming MLB postseason.