The Dodgers got a little more encouraging news on multiple fronts Saturday, with Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow and Dalton Rushing all moving closer to returns.
Ohtani took a meaningful step by facing hitters at Dodger Stadium, a sign he is getting nearer to rejoining the rotation. He worked exclusively against Will Smith, who is also pushing toward a comeback of his own. Ohtani has not pitched in a game since July 3 because of left knee soreness.
Manager Dave Roberts sounded upbeat after the session.
“I haven’t checked in with Shohei, but everything from the coaches, really positive,” manager Dave Roberts said of Ohtani’s throwing session. “Really positive.
Threw 30 pitches, six hitters. We’re getting there.
So today was a good day.
“And obviously, we saw Jake (Cousins) for a little bit just to get him here and put eyes on him. But getting Will in the batter’s box, taking some at-bats, it’s just good to see the compete from both those guys, and yeah, we’re getting close.”
The expectation now is that Ohtani will need at least one more live batting practice before the Dodgers consider putting him back on the mound. Roberts said the team will continue to coordinate with Ohtani and the training staff before making any move.
“I think if it were up to Shohei, he’d be in a game in a few days,” Roberts said. “But I would assume another live BP. But we’re going to make sure we talk to him and get with the training staff as well.”
Los Angeles is also trying to get Glasnow back into the mix, and that return is lined up for Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves. Roberts said the right-hander won’t have any restrictions when he starts.
Glasnow has been out since May 8 with lower back spasms. He completed four rehab outings, three with Triple-A Oklahoma City and one with Single-A Ontario, and the numbers were sharp: a 1.32 ERA, a 0.51 WHIP and 20 strikeouts against four walks in 13.2 innings.
Rushing is another name trending in the right direction. The backup catcher has been sidelined since early August with a slight ulnar collateral ligament tear in his right elbow, but he hit on the field last week for the first time since landing on the injured list and is now preparing to start throwing again.
“Dalton has continued to progress,” Roberts said. “I talked to him before we left, said he’s pain-free.
I saw he swung the bat well. He’s determined to build that throwing program up.
He’s in a good spot.”
The Dodgers believe Rushing could still help as a hitter before the season ends, even if catching remains a long shot. Roberts didn’t rule it out completely, but he made clear the odds are slim.
“I still think it’s unlikely, but we’re still going through the process and I hope I’m wrong,” Roberts said. “He’s determined to go through the progression, the buildup, and get back and we’ll see where we’re at.”
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