"100% Recovery This Season Is Impossible" Roberts Makes Bombshell Remark... Ohtani's Pitching Return Completely Scrapped

[Financial News] Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound has fallen through once again. The Los Angeles Dodgers star, who once dominated Major League Baseball (MLB) as a two-way player, will not pitch again for now. Manager Dave Roberts added to the uncertainty by saying Ohtani may not be 100% recovered by the end of the season, casting a dark cloud over the Dodgers' pitching plans as they chase a World Series title.
After the Dodgers' road game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park in Detroit, State of Michigan, on the 30th local time, Roberts officially announced that Ohtani would not start against Detroit on the 31st.
Ohtani had originally been scheduled to start on the 31st and work about one inning as an opener to regain his feel on the mound. He had raised expectations by throwing live batting practice on the 23rd, but his knee did not improve enough for game action, and he ultimately pulled out of the start.


The situation is more serious than expected. Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani is "not at 100% right now," then delivered a stunning assessment: "To be honest, I don't think he will be fully recovered by the end of this season."
Roberts added that some pitchers can still be effective even when they are not fully healthy. "Ohtani will continue going through the recovery process," he said, leaving the door slightly open. For now, however, his return to pitching has effectively been scrapped.
As the symbol of two-way excellence, Ohtani made 14 starts in the first half alone this season, throwing 852⁄3 innings with an 8-2 record, a 1.79 ERA, and 95 strikeouts. But chronic pain in his left knee forced him to stop after his July 4 start against the San Diego Padres.


With Ohtani's start canceled, the Dodgers will send Tyler Glasnow to the mound on the 31st instead.
Meanwhile, Ohtani, who will play only as a hitter for the time being because of the knee injury, started at designated hitter and batted leadoff against Detroit on the day. He went 1-for-4, and the Dodgers lost 2-1 amid a largely quiet night from the offense.


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