Shohei Ohtani Likely to Return to Mound During Dodgers' Next Homestand

Shohei Ohtani is likely to return to pitching during the Dodgers' next homestand, per Sonja Chen at MLB.com — the clearest signal yet that his time as a designated-hitter-only player is nearing its end.

Ohtani has been away from the mound since July 3 due to knee inflammation and a bicep issue, per earlier reporting. The homestand framing suggests a target window is in view, though no specific start date has been announced and the timeline carries the usual caveats that come with pitching returns from multiple overlapping issues.

What remains unconfirmed

No opponent, date, or inning limit has been reported. "Likely" is doing real work in that sentence — it signals organizational optimism, not a scheduled appearance on the pitching card.

The broader Dodgers picture

Los Angeles is managing a crowded roster situation at the moment. Tyler Glasnow was expected to return to the rotation, Will Smith began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City after nearly three months away with a neck issue, and Andy Pages is out at least four weeks following hand surgery. Ohtani rejoining the rotation, when it happens, would represent a meaningful addition to a staff that has been managing without him since early July.