Shohei Ohtani gave the Dodgers exactly the kind of offensive spark they needed before offering another encouraging update on his pitching comeback. The two-way star erupted for four hits and two home runs in Los Angeles’ 11-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
His performance helped erase the frustration of a rough stretch for the Dodgers’ offense. Yet the most important development may have come after the final out. Ohtani revealed that his pitching program is moving forward carefully as he works through his lingering left knee issue.
Ohtani powered the Dodgers’ offensive breakout
Ohtani immediately provided a major offensive boost at Coors Field. He went 4-for-5 and hit two home runs, including a leadoff homer in the fifth inning and a two-run blast in the sixth inning during Los Angeles’ 11-5 victory over Colorado.
The second homer traveled an estimated 452 feet before landing in the glove of Dodgers reliever Kyle Hurt in the bullpen. It was Ohtani’s 29th home run of the 2026 season and his second multihomer game of the year.
The performance came after the Dodgers had struggled offensively during a difficult stretch. Los Angeles entered the game after losing three of four to Milwaukee and needed a strong showing during its road trip.
Max Muncy also delivered a major moment with a three-run homer projected at 461 feet by Statcast. That blast became the Dodgers’ longest home run of the season at that point.
His pitching update adds another layer
Ohtani’s offensive production remains elite, but his latest pitching update carries significant attention because the Dodgers are carefully managing his return to the mound. He has been sidelined from pitching because of irritation in his left knee while continuing to serve as the team’s designated hitter.
After Monday’s game, Ohtani said he completed long toss from approximately 120 feet and planned another bullpen session on Tuesday. He also said he felt good after his previous bullpen workout.
The Dodgers are taking the cautious route
Manager Dave Roberts has repeatedly emphasized that Ohtani’s return needs to be handled with the bigger picture in mind. The Dodgers don’t need to force him back onto the mound before he’s physically ready, particularly with the postseason approaching.
Ohtani’s knee has already caused the club to alter his pitching schedule. He last pitched on July 3, and the Dodgers subsequently scratched him from a planned start after the All-Star break.
The team has also adjusted his workload as symptoms have fluctuated. That approach explains why another bullpen session matters, even without an announced game date.
Fun fact: Ohtani has already hit 26 career home runs of at least 450 feet, including the postseason, since the start of the 2021 season. MLB noted that no other player had more than 19 during that span.
Ohtani continues to dominate at Coors Field
If there is one ballpark where Ohtani’s offensive numbers deserve extra attention, it’s Coors Field. His latest performance extended an impressive hitting streak in Denver. Ohtani has now hit safely in 21 consecutive games at the ballpark, batting .413 with nine home runs and 24 RBIs during that stretch.
The spacious outfield and high altitude have helped create some spectacular offensive games over the years. Ohtani, however, has been remarkably consistent there, making the environment look even more favorable for his power.
His two-way comeback still has layers
The Dodgers signed Ohtani, knowing his value goes far beyond what he provides as a designated hitter. His ability to contribute as both a hitter and a starting pitcher is central to what makes him such a unique player.
That also means his return to the mound requires more planning than simply determining when he is healthy enough to pitch. The Dodgers have to manage his throwing workload alongside his everyday offensive responsibilities.
The current situation is therefore less about whether Ohtani wants to pitch again and more about making sure his body can handle the demands.
The Dodgers have reasons to stay patient
Los Angeles also has enough pitching depth to avoid rushing Ohtani. The rotation has undergone changes throughout the season, but the Dodgers have continued building options while waiting for several arms to become available.
Blake Snell’s return from elbow surgery has added another piece to the staff, while the club has continued relying on other established starters. That gives Roberts more flexibility when deciding how aggressively to handle Ohtani.
For Ohtani, the goal is not simply to make one more regular-season start. The Dodgers want him to be capable of contributing when the games carry the most weight.
Fun fact: Ohtani’s second homer Tuesday was his 25th career multihomer game. Five of those performances have come since he joined the Dodgers.
What comes next for Ohtani?
The immediate focus is on his next bullpen session and how his knee responds afterward. Ohtani has made clear that he wants to return as soon as possible, but the Dodgers have shown they won’t sacrifice his long-term health to meet an arbitrary date.
That makes the next few throwing sessions important checkpoints. If he continues progressing without another setback, the conversation can move toward facing hitters, increasing intensity, and eventually selecting a return date.
For now, though, the Dodgers have something encouraging to work with. Ohtani is producing at the plate, his throwing program is moving again, and the team remains focused on getting its two-way superstar ready for the stretch that matters most.
TL;DR
- Shohei Ohtani went 4-for-5 with two home runs in the Dodgers’ 11-5 win over Colorado.
- His second homer traveled 452 feet and landed in the Dodgers’ bullpen.
- Ohtani has hit safely in 21 straight games at Coors Field.
- He threw long toss on Monday and planned another bullpen session on Tuesday.
- The Dodgers remain cautious about setting a firm date for his return to the rotation.
- His next throwing sessions will help determine how quickly his pitching buildup can progress.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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