The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with significant pitching struggles, highlighted by Matt Sauer, a 26-year-old journeyman, who threw 111 pitches in a recent game against the San Diego Padres, a career high. In a rare move, Enrique Hernandez, a utility player, pitched the final outs, reflecting the Dodgers' depth issues. The anticipation around Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound is growing as he ramps up his simulated pitching, but the team remains cautious, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate needs.

Ohtani's impressive offensive stats, including leading the majors in homers and ranking high in OPS and batting average, make his dual role critical for the team. However, his pitching recovery has seen a decline in his base-stealing rates as he focuses on rehab. Dodgers management emphasizes the need for patience in Ohtani's recovery, indicating that his return as a pitcher may not happen until he's fully prepared. Meanwhile, the team has employed a large number of pitchers this season due to injuries, marking a challenging period for the Dodgers.