Shohei Ohtani injury update: Dodgers star has bullpen session postponed

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani had a setback in his recovery from a left knee injury, delaying his scheduled bullpen session on Saturday, July 25, in New York.

>The two-way star was expected to have a bullpen session before the Dodgers’ road game against the New York Mets at Citi Field.

>The next steps for Ohtani remain uncertain for the foreseeable future and the Dodgers haven't provided a timetable for his return.

>The two-way star was pulled from his scheduled start before the MLB All-Star break due to inflammation and irritation in his left knee.

>Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Saturday that there was some “regression” with Ohtani’s knee following his bullpen session on Wednesday, July 22, in Philadelphia.

>Roberts told reporters on Friday, July 24 that he feels that a return to the mound wouldn’t happen next week.

>"Every player wants to get back out there and do what they do. But I think he understands it's not about July, it's about October," Roberts said. "So, we've already taken a lot of time to get him back to full health, so we're not going to start earlier than we need to."

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>Ohtani had initially been scheduled to start on Wednesday, but the organization decided against it to instead throw a bullpen session.

>There’s an expectation that the Dodgers will be cautious with the superstar’s workload throughout the second half of the season. Roberts has also stated that Ohtani is not expected to throw 100 pitches whenever he does make his return to the mound.

>Ohtani had lubricant injected into his knee but did not have it drained. The injection was intended to provide the four-time All-Star with relief in his knee.

>Even during his time away from the mound, Ohtani is still expected to play as a designated hitter.

>This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shohei Ohtani injury update: Dodgers star has bullpen session postponed