NEW YORK — After throwing 30 pitches in a bullpen session in Philadelphia on Wednesday, right-hander/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (lingering issue with his left knee) told the Dodgers on Friday that he felt good and is scheduled for another bullpen session on Saturday at Citi Field.
That does not mean, however, he will pitch in a game when the team returns home to Los Angeles for its series starting Tuesday against the Mariners. In fact, manager Dave Roberts all but guaranteed that Ohtani will not throw against Seattle. Keep in mind that there isn’t a rush to get Ohtani back on the mound. It’s more important that his arm is ready for the month of October, Roberts said.
“I think, honestly, we have to be fluid with Shohei,” Roberts acknowledged. “The bullpen went well. Today, he feels good. … If tomorrow feels good, he will throw in the ’pen, great. If it doesn’t, then we’ll kick it. We are not going to push him. There are constant conversations going on each day. The main thing with Shohei and this pitching thing is just to remain nimble.”
As a pitcher, Ohtani has been dealing this season, going 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 85 2/3 innings.
