{
  "id": 5289491,
  "title": "Shohei Ohtani feels good, but the Dodgers still won't commit to his next start",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/shohei-ohtani-feels-good-but-the-dodgers-still-wont-commit-to-his-5289491",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-03T09:00:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260903/p2g/00m/0sp/016000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Los Angeles Dodgers are unsure if designated hitter Shohei Ohtani will pitch again this season. The two-way superstar has not pitched in a game since July 3 due to persistent discomfort in his left knee and right biceps. Ohtani participated in a 20-pitch bullpen session last Friday, but was later taken out of a potential start against Detroit two days later. Manager Dave Roberts stated on Wednesday that Ohtani appears to be in a good physical condition and has not received any reports of him falling ill or experiencing persistent injuries. Roberts mentioned that he will not know the next step in Ohtani's pitching progression unless he throws another bullpen session. The manager also suggested that it is possible Ohtani might not pitch again this season. Before being placed on the injury list, Ohtani had an impressive 8-2 record and a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts. If Ohtani cannot start a game, he could potentially play in the outfield or serve as a reliever. The Dodgers would lose their designated hitter (DH) for the rest of the game if Ohtani does not start pitching, as the Ohtani Rule would come into effect. Roberts acknowledged the value of Ohtani's pitching abilities but also expressed concerns about any potential impact on his offensive performance. He emphasized that any contribution Ohtani provides is valuable, but there is no definitive timeline or deadline for his return to the mound.",
  "summary": "LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers remain uncertain whether designated hitter Shohei Ohtani will pitch again this season.The two-way supersta",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Shohei Ohtani feels good, but the Dodgers still won’t commit to his next start",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/shohei-ohtani-feels-good-but-the-dodgers-still-wont-commit-to-his",
        "published": "2026-09-03T01:59:23.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Associated Press",
        "title": "Shohei Ohtani feels good, but the Dodgers still won’t commit to his next start",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/shohei-ohtani-feels-good-but-the-dodgers-still-wont-commit-to-his-5225770",
        "published": "2026-09-03T02:23:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}