If it were up to Ohtani, he'd be pitching 'in a few days'

Shohei Ohtani is currently working toward a return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers following a period of absence. According to reporting from MLB.com, Ohtani expressed a desire to be pitching again in a few days if the decision were left entirely to him. However, recent developments reported by the Taylorville Daily News indicate that Ohtani was scratched from a scheduled Friday start and will consequently miss the All-Star Game. This specific setback is attributed to knee irritation, which has impacted his immediate availability for both the rotation and the mid-season exhibition. Multiple sports outlets are closely monitoring Ohtani's recovery milestones.

ESPN reports that Ohtani has already thrown 30 pitches during a session of live batting practice for the Dodgers. This activity is framed by The New York Times as the final step in his progression, as facing live batters is the last requirement before he can officially return to the mound. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times describes a recent development in his rehabilitation as a really positive step in his ongoing push to rejoin the rotation. The context of this trend centers on Ohtani's dual-threat capabilities and the high stakes of his health for the Dodgers. The transition from rehabilitation to live batting practice marks a critical phase in his recovery from the knee irritation mentioned by the Taylorville Daily News.

Because he is a primary asset for the team, his ability to move through these final stages of readiness determines the composition of the pitching rotation and the team's strategic approach to upcoming games. Looking ahead, the focus remains on whether Ohtani can successfully complete his progression to live batters without further irritation. While MLB.com notes his personal eagerness to return within a matter of days, the actual timeline will depend on the results of his live practice sessions. Observers will be watching for confirmation from the Dodgers regarding his official status for future starts and whether the knee irritation has been fully resolved following the missed Friday start and the All-Star Game absence.