Ohtani to Throw Off Mound This Week but No Timetable Set for Return

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani is expected to pitch off a mound later this week, though no timetable has been set for his return to the starting rotation, ESPN reported. Ohtani had been scheduled to start against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday. Left knee irritation that kept him out of last week's All-Star Game led the team to scratch those plans.

The four-time MVP last pitched on July 3 and received a lubricant injection in his left knee. The injection does not affect him while batting. Manager Dave Roberts said the decision to give the injection, bypass the All-Star Game and skip the scheduled start was not because the knee issue is worsening.

"All that stuff is trying to give us the best chance to be out of the woods entirely," Roberts said before Monday's game against Philadelphia. Roberts indicated Ohtani would try to throw off the mound later this week, possibly on Thursday or Friday. The Dodgers, who hold a 63-37 record and an 11½-game lead in the NL West, are scheduled to visit the White House on Thursday, an off day.

They open a three-game series at the New York Mets on Friday. Asked whether Ohtani could return to the rotation as early as next week, Roberts said he does not know. "He's got to play catch again and then we'll see," Roberts said.

The two-time defending World Series champions have the best record in the majors.