Ohtani Skips Bullpen Session: Dodgers Playing It Safe

Updated July 25, 2026 9 min read

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Ohtani Skips Bullpen Session as Dodgers Stay Cautious With Two-Way Star

TL;DR: Shohei Ohtani skipped his scheduled bullpen session on Saturday as the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to manage his workload carefully. The decision reflects the team’s long-term approach to protecting their franchise cornerstone, who has been balancing both pitching and hitting duties. Ohtani’s health remains the top priority for a Dodgers club with championship aspirations.

Shohei Ohtani skipped his scheduled bullpen session on Saturday as the Los Angeles Dodgers remain cautious with their two-way superstar. The decision underscores Los Angeles’ deliberate approach to managing Ohtani’s pitching workload, prioritizing long-term durability over short-term availability.

Quick Answer

Ohtani did not throw a bullpen session on Saturday, prompting the Dodgers to maintain a patient posture regarding the Japanese phenom’s pitching schedule. The team has consistently emphasized a careful ramp-up for Ohtani’s arm, especially given his history of elbow concerns and the unique physical demands of playing as both a pitcher and designated hitter. This cautious strategy aligns with the Dodgers’ broader organizational philosophy of protecting high-value assets across a 162-game season.

Why the Dodgers Are Being Cautious With Ohtani’s Arm

The Dodgers’ decision to hold Ohtani out of a bullpen session reflects a carefully constructed plan to manage the workload of the most unique player in Major League Baseball. Ohtani’s ability to impact games as both a pitcher and hitter creates an extraordinary set of physical demands that no other player in modern baseball history has had to sustain.

Los Angeles has treated Ohtani’s arm with extreme care since he joined the organization. Every bullpen session, bullpen simulation, and pitching appearance is part of a larger roadmap designed to keep Ohtani healthy for the postseason. The Dodgers understand that rushing his arm could compromise both the current season and the remaining years on his record-breaking contract.

What Does Skipping a Bullpen Session Mean?

A bullpen session is a practice outing where a pitcher throws off a mound to simulate game conditions without facing live hitters. Skipping one does not necessarily indicate an injury or setback. Pitchers regularly adjust their schedules based on how their arm feels, recent workload, and upcoming game planning.

For Ohtani, skipping a single bullpen session fits within the Dodgers’ broader strategy of managing his throwing volume. The team monitors his arm recovery using advanced tracking data and medical assessments before deciding when he should throw. A skipped session is a preventive measure, not a red flag.

How Ohtani’s Two-Way Role Complicates Things

Ohtani’s dual role as a pitcher and designated hitter means his body endures more stress than any typical pitcher or position player. While most starters get four days of rest between starts, Ohtani is in the lineup as a DH on most of those off-days. This creates additional strain on his arm, shoulder, and overall body that the Dodgers must factor into every scheduling decision.

Research from sports medicine experts shows that two-way players face a higher cumulative injury risk due to the overlapping demands on their musculature and joints. The Dodgers’ medical and coaching staff work together to build rest and recovery windows into Ohtani’s calendar, which sometimes means skipping routine throwing days.

Ohtani’s Injury History and Why It Matters

Ohtani underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018 and again following the 2023 season, making his elbow health a central concern for every franchise he has played for. His first surgery with the Los Angeles Angels kept him off the mound for the entire 2019 season. The second procedure was performed after he signed his 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers.

Each additional surgery increases the importance of workload management. Medical research published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine indicates that pitchers who undergo multiple Tommy John procedures face elevated re-injury rates. The Dodgers are well aware of these statistics and have built their entire approach around minimizing risk for Ohtani’s arm.

How the Dodgers Have Managed Ohtani Throughout 2026

The Dodgers have followed a consistent pattern of caution with Ohtani throughout the current season. Rather than pushing him for maximum output in the regular season, the organization has set specific thresholds for his pitch counts, bullpen sessions, and rest days. This mirrors the approach teams take with elite pitchers coming off major surgeries.

Several key elements define their management strategy:

Controlled pitch counts: Ohtani’s starts are monitored closely, with the coaching staff prepared to pull him early if his pitch count climbs too quickly.
Strategic off-days: The Dodgers schedule extra rest days around Ohtani’s pitching appearances to allow full arm recovery.
Bullpen session management: Not every scheduled bullpen session is mandatory. If Ohtani’s arm needs additional rest, sessions can be skipped or reduced in intensity.
Advanced biomechanical tracking: The Dodgers use motion capture and velocity data to detect early warning signs of arm fatigue or mechanical changes that could lead to injury.
Postseason-first mentality: Every decision prioritizes October readiness over regular-season statistics.

What Other Players Were Affected by the Dodgers’ Rotation Decisions?

The Dodgers’ pitching management extends beyond Ohtani. Players like Spencer Miles, Spencer Bivens, and Kyle Leahy have all been part of Los Angeles’ broader roster management strategy. The team has relied on depth arms and relievers to compensate for any reduced workload from their top starters.

Michael Busch and other position players continue to handle everyday responsibilities while the pitching staff is managed conservatively. The Dodgers’ organizational depth allows them to absorb reduced output from any individual pitcher without compromising their win total.

How Does This Affect the Dodgers’ Win-Loss Record?

Despite their cautious approach to pitching management, the Dodgers remain one of the top teams in the National League. Their depth, offensive firepower, and bullpen reliability allow them to win games even when Ohtani is not at full capacity on the mound. The organization has demonstrated that sustainable pitching management does not have to come at the cost of regular-season success.

What Are the Dodgers’ Chances in the 2026 Postseason?

The Dodgers’ careful management of Ohtani is fundamentally a postseason play. By ensuring he is fresh, healthy, and fully stretched out for October, Los Angeles maximizes its chances of making a deep playoff run. A fully operational Ohtani, capable of pitching and hitting at an elite level, gives the Dodgers an advantage no other team in baseball can match.

The National League remains competitive, with teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and San Diego Padres all fielding strong rosters. However, the Dodgers believe that preserving Ohtani’s health gives them the best possible chance at another World Series title.

Key Takeaways

Ohtani skipped his scheduled bullpen session on Saturday as part of the Dodgers’ cautious workload management approach.
The decision is precautionary, not injury-related, and fits within the team’s long-term strategy for the two-way star.
Ohtani’s history of Tommy John surgery makes arm health management a top organizational priority.
The Dodgers are prioritizing postseason readiness over regular-season pitching volume.
Los Angeles’ roster depth allows them to maintain competitiveness while managing their star pitcher carefully.

What Should Fans Expect Going Forward?

Fans should expect more of these cautious decisions throughout the remainder of the regular season. The Dodgers have shown no intention of rushing Ohtani’s workload, and any skipped sessions or extra rest days should be viewed as smart management rather than cause for alarm. The organization’s track record of successfully managing high-profile pitcher recoveries provides confidence in their approach.

As the playoff race intensifies, the Dodgers will likely tighten their rotation around their most reliable arms while continuing to protect Ohtani for the biggest games of the year. The goal remains clear: have Shohei Ohtani healthy, sharp, and ready to dominate in October.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Ohtani skip his bullpen session?

Ohtani skipped his scheduled bullpen session on Saturday as a precautionary measure. The Dodgers are managing his workload carefully to protect his arm, particularly given his history of Tommy John surgery. The decision was not related to any new injury or setback.

Is Ohtani injured?

There are no reports indicating that Ohtani is dealing with a new injury. Skipping a bullpen session is a routine part of workload management for pitchers, especially those recovering from or preventing arm injuries. The Dodgers have not announced any medical concerns related to the skipped session.

How does skipping a bullpen session affect Ohtani’s next start?

Skipping a bullpen session does not automatically mean Ohtani will miss his next scheduled start. Pitchers can adjust their between-start routines based on how their arm feels. The Dodgers evaluate each decision on a case-by-case basis, and Ohtani may still take the mound on his regular schedule.

How are the Dodgers managing Ohtani’s two-way workload?

The Dodgers use a combination of pitch count limits, strategic rest days, biomechanical tracking data, and medical assessments to manage Ohtani’s dual role. Every aspect of his schedule, from bullpen sessions to DH appearances, is part of a comprehensive plan to keep him healthy throughout the season.

Will the Dodgers limit Ohtani before the playoffs?

Yes, the Dodgers are likely to continue limiting Ohtani’s workload as the postseason approaches. The organization has consistently signaled that October readiness is their primary concern. Expect reduced pitch counts and additional rest days in the final weeks of the regular season.

Who are the other pitchers managing workloads for the Dodgers?

The Dodgers have multiple pitchers whose usage is being carefully monitored. Spencer Miles, Spencer Bivens, and Kyle Leahy are among the arms being managed within the team’s broader pitching strategy. Los Angeles relies on organizational depth to maintain rotation stability.

Conclusion

Ohtani skipping his bullpen session on Saturday is a reflection of the Dodgers’ disciplined, health-first approach to managing the most talented two-way player in baseball history. Los Angeles understands that protecting Ohtani’s arm is not just about the current series or even the current season. It is about preserving a generational talent for years to come.

The cautious strategy has not diminished the Dodgers’ competitiveness. With a deep roster, strong bullpen, and elite offense, Los Angeles remains well-positioned for a postseason run. If Ohtani arrives in October healthy and fully stretched out, the Dodgers will be one of the most dangerous teams in the National League.

The Bottom Line

The Los Angeles Dodgers made the right call by having Shohei Ohtani skip a bullpen session on Saturday. This decision is not a sign of trouble. It is a sign of smart, forward-thinking baseball management. Ohtani’s health is the Dodgers’ most valuable asset, and every decision the organization makes reflects that reality. For more information on the Dodgers’ pitching strategy and roster management, see our guide on MLB workload management best practices. Ohtani skipping a bullpen session is simply the Dodgers staying cautious and keeping their two-way star on track for the games that matter most.