Ohtani poised for possible opener role in Dodgers' Sunday game

Shohei Ohtani is close to returning to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers, potentially as a one-inning opener in Sunday’s matchup with the Detroit Tigers, according to manager Dave Roberts. He will throw a bullpen session on Friday, and if all goes well, will open the game while Tyler Glasnow remains scheduled to pitch later after recovering from back spasms. Ohtani has not pitched since early July due to a knee problem that also affected his biceps, but he has kept playing daily as a designated hitter and remains in the NL MVP race.

The Dodgers have opted to conduct his rehabilitation entirely at the major-league level to avoid removing his bat from the lineup, mirroring a similar gradual return last season. The team’s rotation already includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell and Glasnow, but they are prioritizing Ohtani’s health for the upcoming postseason.