Shohei Ohtani Progresses in Pitching Recovery, Return Date Uncertain for Dodgers
Los Angeles, CA – Shohei Ohtani has taken a meaningful step forward in his recovery as a pitcher, throwing his first bullpen session in a month. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ star completed the session at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, throwing over 20 pitches after a long toss session in the outfield.
Ohtani’s Return to the Mound: A Gradual Process
While this marks progress, dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized that Ohtani’s return to pitching in Major League games is still some time away. “It’s going to be a while,” Roberts stated. “I think you start with the natural progression of a bullpen, and then you’ve got to mix in different pitches to face hitters again. I don’t have a timetable,I don’t think anyone does,but we’re a ways away.”
Continuing as Leadoff Hitter Amid Recovery
Ohtani,who continues to contribute to the Dodgers lineup as a designated hitter,hasn’t pitched in a Major League game as September 2023. He underwent elbow surgery and a separate procedure on his left shoulder following a historic season in which he achieved the rare feat of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases.
Dodgers Prioritize Ohtani’s Health Over Expedited Return
Roberts had previously suggested a potential return to the mound as early as May, but his recent statements reflect a more cautious approach. The Dodgers are prioritizing Ohtani’s long-term health and a gradual return to pitching duties.
“He wants to pitch, and we believe he will. The question is, how much do we need it right now? I think we’ve answered that. his health is the most important thing, and when his advancement reaches its full maturity, he’ll pitch for us,” Roberts affirmed.
Dodgers’ Pitching Rotation and Future Plans
The Dodgers currently boast a strong pitching rotation,including names like Blake Snell,Tyler Glasnow,Yoshinobu Yamamoto,and dustin May. However, injuries to starting pitchers make Ohtani’s eventual return to the mound a key factor for the team.
The Dodgers plan to implement a six-man rotation upon Ohtani’s return, which would benefit both Ohtani and the rest of the pitching staff by providing extra rest.
What limitations, if any, will Ohtani face when he does return to pitching?
Shohei Ohtani pitching Recovery: Your Top Questions Answered
Following the article, here’s a Q&A to clarify key aspects of Shohei Ohtani’s pitching recovery and what it means for the Dodgers.
Q&A
Q: What exactly did Shohei Ohtani do in his recent bullpen session?
A: Ohtani threw over 20 pitches in a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium, his first in a month. This followed a long-toss session in the outfield, signaling a step forward in his recovery.
Q: When can we expect Ohtani to pitch in a Major League game?
A: The timeline is uncertain. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized that ohtani is “a ways away” from returning to the mound. The Dodgers are prioritizing a gradual approach. It’s not likely to happen soon.
Q: Why is ohtani not pitching right now?
A: Ohtani underwent elbow surgery and a separate procedure on his left shoulder. Although he’s contributing as a designated hitter,he hasn’t pitched in a Major League game since September 2023.
Q: What is ohtani’s role with the Dodgers currently?
A: He is playing as a designated hitter (DH) in the Dodgers’ lineup and contributing offensively.
Q: How will ohtani’s return impact the Dodgers’ pitching rotation?
A: The Dodgers plan to use a six-man rotation when Ohtani returns to pitching. This will provide extra rest for both Ohtani and the rest of the staff.
Q: Who are some of the other key pitchers on the Dodgers?
A: The Dodgers’ pitching rotation includes Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Dustin May.
Q: Why are the Dodgers being so cautious with Ohtani’s return?
A: The Dodgers are prioritizing Ohtani’s long-term health.They don’t wont to rush his recovery, ensuring he’s fully ready to pitch when he returns.
Q: What is the significance of ohtani’s 50-50 season?
A: In 2023, Ohtani achieved the rare feat of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. This historic achievement is part of why his absence is felt and why his health is so crucial.
Q: What’s the manager’s approach to Ohtani’s return?
A: Manager Dave Roberts had previously suggested May, but now, he’s taking a more cautious approach, emphasizing that Ohtani’s health is the priority.
Q: What is the six-man rotation?
A: A six-man rotation means that the team will rotate six starting pitchers instead of the typical five. This provides extra rest for each pitcher, potentially reducing the risk of injury and improving performance over the course of the season.
Q: Is there any news of Dodger’s starting pitchers?
A: Yes, the Dodgers currently have injuries to starting pitchers.
Q: Does Ohtani want to pitch?
A: Yes, the article states that Ohtani wants to pitch, and the Dodgers believe he will.
Q: What are the next steps of Ohtani’s recovery?
A: The next step is to mix in different pitches to face hitters again.
Stay tuned for updates as Ohtani progresses in his recovery! His return to the mound will be a major boost for the dodgers.
