Shohei Ohtani's return to facing hitters marks a pivotal step in his recovery from elbow surgery. Observers noted his positive demeanor as he faced various batters, including a double hit by Ha-Seong Kim. This progression is crucial as the Angels anticipate his full return post-All-Star break, having invested heavily in his dual-role capabilities.

On the injury front, Roki Sasaki is set to commence throwing after a brief rehab period. Meanwhile, concerns about Evan Phillips' elbow discomfort have escalated, indicating his season could be in jeopardy. On a brighter note, Michael Kopech's rehab appearances suggest a solid comeback, while other injured players continue their recovery efforts at home.

The Dodgers suffered a disappointing 11-1 defeat against the Athletics, continuing their struggles with runners in scoring position, finishing 0 for 12. Despite having opportunities, including several players like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts failing to deliver, the Dodgers only managed one run due to an error. The pitching woes were highlighted by Landon Knack, who allowed five earned runs over 4.2 innings, giving up multiple home runs to Jacob Wilson, an emerging talent from the A's. While the loss raises concerns, it’s important to note the A's have promising young hitters, and such games are part of a long season.

On the injury front, the Dodgers received concerning news about Roki Sasaki, who was placed on the injured list due to a shoulder impingement, which is particularly troubling given his recent drop in velocity. Clay Kershaw is expected to return soon, which could stabilize the rotation. Meanwhile, Michael Conforto showed signs of life with three doubles in the game, suggesting he may be turning the corner after recent struggles.

In the latest episode, key players like Julio Rodriguez and Jackson Chourio are under scrutiny due to slow starts, while veterans like Jacob deGrom and Kevin Gausman are thriving. Discussions focus on potential trades involving struggling stars such as Spencer Schwellenbach and Roki Sasaki, who have had mixed performances. The podcast emphasizes the importance of identifying trade opportunities before they diminish, especially for young talents like Chourio and Rodriguez who have historically improved as the season progresses.

The hosts also analyze Gausman’s impressive start, warning that his performance may not hold, suggesting trading him if possible. The episode concludes with insights into other players to watch, encouraging listeners to stay proactive in managing their fantasy teams.