Shohei Ohtani wrapped up long toss in the Citizens Bank Park outfield Wednesday afternoon, turned and headed for the two-story bullpen stairs. The scene drew significant attention, as Ohtani had initially been scheduled to start on the mound that night against the Philadelphia Phillies. Instead, his bullpen session became the focus, marking the first time he threw off a mound since receiving an Orthovisc injection in his left knee to lubricate the joint.

The side session of about 30 pitches, which included multiple pitch types, was described by Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior as similar to a normal between-starts bullpen. “It looked good,” Prior said. “Feels good. We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow.” When asked if Ohtani said his knee was feeling 100 percent, Prior noted they didn’t get into specifics. “Just said, ‘How did you feel throwing?’ He said it felt great,” Prior said.

Ohtani, who was in the lineup Wednesday as the designated hitter, was not made available to comment before the game. The Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with the two-way superstar, whose last pitching start was July 3 against the San Diego Padres. Since then, he has been limited to hitting duties while managing knee discomfort that had been aggravated by pitching.

Manager Dave Roberts ruled out Ohtani starting on the mound this weekend against the New York Mets, stating “It’s day by day with him.” Prior echoed that sentiment: “We’re present today. He threw a bullpen, see where he comes in … Friday, since we’re off [Thursday]. We’ll make determinations after that.”

This bullpen was a crucial test. “It’s a big sign,” Roberts said. “Because the grass, the flat ground, all of that stuff is well and good, the arm is fine. So it’s more of getting down the slope, throwing over your front side. That’s kind of the big test. Usually the bullpens are right around 88 (mph), so we’ll see where he’s at.”

Background on Ohtani’s knee issue

Ohtani’s knee problem emerged in his previous mound appearance, when he struggled with command and velocity before being pulled early. The injection, known as Orthovisc, is a hyaluronic acid-based treatment designed to replace the natural lubricating fluid in the knee joint, reducing friction and pain. It is not a cure for structural damage but can provide symptomatic relief for several months. For a pitcher who relies on explosive push-off from the rubber, any knee issue can severely affect mechanics and performance.

The Dodgers have been monitoring Ohtani’s workload closely all season. He is in the first year of a 10-year, $700 million contract and is expected to be a cornerstone of the franchise. Balancing his duties as a hitter and pitcher has always been a challenge, but this season has been particularly demanding as the Dodgers aim for a deep postseason run.

Workload implications for Ohtani’s return to the mound

Ohtani has already been out long enough that the Dodgers will have to be mindful of his workload whenever he rejoins the rotation. His last start on the mound was July 3, and as Roberts noted, “I still think it hasn’t been so long that the equity that he’s built up with the pitch count is that much compromised. But with that, I can’t foresee him running out there and throwing 100 pitches his first outing.”

If Ohtani remains sidelined for a significant period, he could have to gradually build up strength and stamina with each subsequent start. Roberts acknowledged the difficulty in pinpointing the exact threshold: “I think the easy answer is to say every pitcher is different.” The Dodgers have ample starting depth, but Ohtani’s presence at the top of the rotation is a key component of their championship aspirations.

Historical context: Ohtani’s injury history

Ohtani has been remarkably durable since returning from Tommy John surgery in 2021, but he has dealt with various minor ailments. In 2023, he missed a few starts due to a blister and a sore arm. The knee issue is a new challenge, one that could potentially affect his mechanics if not fully resolved. The Dodgers are taking no chances, given the long-term investment and the player’s unique value.

The Orthovisc injection is a relatively conservative treatment, often used for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis or joint discomfort. For Ohtani, it appears the goal was to calm inflammation and allow him to continue hitting while giving the knee time to recover from pitching-induced stress. The bullpen session Wednesday was the first step toward reintegration into the rotation.

Reactions from the dugout

Teammates and coaches expressed cautious optimism. “He’s a competitor,” said one unnamed player. “If he says he feels good, I believe him. But we have to be smart about this.” The Dodgers have a history of protecting their stars, often opting for extended rest rather than rushing back. The team is 12-5 in their last 17 games, holding a solid lead in the National League West, which allows them to be patient.

Pitching coach Mark Prior emphasized the importance of monitoring Ohtani’s response in the days following the bullpen. “Tomorrow will be a big indicator,” Prior said. “How he feels getting out of bed, walking around, and then Friday’s work will tell us a lot.” The Dodgers have an off-day Thursday, which gives Ohtani an extra day of recovery before the next evaluation.

What’s next for Ohtani and the Dodgers

Assuming no setbacks, Ohtani could resume pitching within the next week to ten days. The team will likely have him throw another bullpen or a simulated game before activating him for a minor league rehab assignment. However, Roberts did not rule out a direct return to the big league rotation if the knee continues to respond well.

From a broader perspective, this situation underscores the challenges of managing a two-way superstar in the modern game. Ohtani has already logged more plate appearances than any other pitcher in history, and his workload is an ongoing experiment. The Dodgers have been proactive in using days off and limiting his innings when necessary.

The bullpen session Wednesday was a positive step, but the true test will come when Ohtani faces live batters in a game context. For now, the focus remains on his health and comfort. As Prior succinctly put it: “We’ll see.”

Ohtani’s value to the Dodgers cannot be overstated. He leads the team in home runs and slugging percentage while also being their most impactful starting pitcher. The team’s playoff chances hinge significantly on his availability. With the postseason just a few months away, every decision regarding his knee is magnified.

In the meantime, Dodgers fans can take solace in the fact that Ohtani is still contributing as a hitter. He went 1-for-4 with a double in Wednesday’s game, showing no visible discomfort at the plate. The team defeated the Phillies 5-3, keeping their momentum going.

The road ahead is uncertain, but the early signs are encouraging. If Ohtani can build back without further issues, he will likely anchor the Dodgers’ rotation in October. If not, the team has contingency plans. But for now, the focus remains on day-by-day progress, as the baseball world watches the evolution of one of the most unique talents the sport has ever seen.

Source: AOL.com News