Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to throw another bullpen Saturday at Citi Field, but Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he doesn't expect the two‑way superstar to return to the rotation by next week. "That's too early," Roberts said Friday before the opener of a three‑game series against the New York Mets.

Every player wants to get back out there and do what they do. But I think he understands it’s not about July, it’s about October. So we’ve already taken a lot of time to get him back to full health, so we’re not going to start earlier than we need to.

The two‑time defending World Series champion Dodgers began the day with the best record in the majors at 65-38 and an 11‑game lead in the National League West. Ohtani hasn’t pitched since July 3 because of left knee irritation, but he remains in the starting lineup.

Roberts said the bullpen went well and today he feels good. If tomorrow feels good to throw the ‘pen, great. And if it doesn’t, we’ll kick it. Ohtani is 8‑2 with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 85⅔ innings over 14 starts, and he’s batting .283 with 22 homers.