Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani won't return to pitching duties on Sunday in Detroit or Tuesday at home, manager Dave Roberts confirmed following Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Tigers, per David Vassegh of AM 570 Los Angeles.
Roberts added that he didn't know when Ohtani would be ready for his next start. While he's not being shut down entirely, the Dodgers and four-time MVP will determine his next steps after they return to L.A. next week.
Ohtani, who hasn't made a start since July 3 due to a lingering knee issue, threw a bullpen session at Comerica Park on Friday in hopes of opening Sunday ahead of Tyler Glasnow. However, Roberts revealed earlier Saturday that Ohtani wasn't pain-free during the session.
"If any pitcher was feeling like this, we wouldn't run him out there," Roberts said postgame, per ESPN's Alden González.
In addition to the knee problem, Ohtani experienced bicep soreness while throwing in July.
The 32-year-old was enjoying a brilliant season on the mound before the injuries halted his pitching. In 85 2/3 innings this year, Ohtani owns a 1.79 ERA, 2.59 FIP, and 0.95 WHIP, along with 95 strikeouts and only four home runs allowed.
Ohtani's problems haven't hampered his hitting abilities, as he's remained the team's everyday DH. As a hitter, he's slashing .283/.383/.535 with 30 homers, 80 RBIs, and 10 steals over 577 plate appearances.
With Ohtani still not ready to pitch, the Dodgers' rotation will continue to include Eric Lauer in the No. 5 spot, behind Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, and Blake Snell.
Glasnow will start Sunday's series finale against the Tigers.
