Dodgers slow Ohtani’s Pitching Rehab, Focus on Hitting
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced Thursday that Shohei ohtani’s pitching rehabilitation is being slowed down as the two-way star ramps up his workload as a designated hitter. The decision allows Ohtani to focus on his offensive contributions at the start of the major League Baseball season.
Ohtani’s Recovery following Surgeries
Ohtani, who served exclusively as a designated hitter last year following right elbow surgery in the fall of 2023, also underwent left shoulder surgery last November after the Dodgers’ World Series victory.He last pitched in a bullpen session on Feb.25 and isn’t expected to face hitters until after the Dodgers return from their season-opening series against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18 and 19.
No Firm Timeline for Pitching Return
“As the game intensity has picked up,as far as his work in games,we have (tried) to give him a little break from the (pitching) rehab and decelerate that,” Roberts said. While Roberts initially suggested Ohtani might return to the mound sometime in May, he clarified Thursday that there is no specific timetable.”We never really set a hard date… We just felt that to ramp up the bullpens alongside the intensity of the games, it wasn’t prudent, so we wanted to slow it down.”
Roberts emphasized caution, stating, “It’s very nuanced with him, we’re just trying to make sure we aren’t trying to force anything that we don’t need to.”
Solid Performance as Designated Hitter
Ohtani started as the designated hitter against the Texas Rangers Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a double in the first inning during an 8-4 victory. He is scheduled to play in consecutive spring training games on Monday and Tuesday for the first time as the Dodgers conclude their Cactus League preparation schedule.
**besides his offensive performance, what other signs should fans watch for to gauge Ohtani’s progress in his pitching rehab?**
Dodgers Slow Ohtani’s Pitching Rehab, Focus on Hitting: Q&A
The Los Angeles Dodgers are carefully managing Shohei Ohtani’s recovery as he transitions back to his two-way role. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and what it means for fans:
Q: Why is Ohtani’s pitching rehab being slowed down?
A: The Dodgers are prioritizing Ohtani’s offensive contributions at the start of the season, as he ramps up his workload as a designated hitter. Manager Dave Roberts stated that the team wants to decelerate the pitching rehab to avoid pushing too hard, especially as the intensity of the games increases [[1](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/news/why-dodgers-put-shohei-ohtanis-pitching-rehab-pause/b5ff620443501532ca26b83d)].
Q: What surgeries did Ohtani have, and when?
A: ohtani underwent right elbow surgery in the fall of 2023 and left shoulder surgery in November after the Dodgers’ World Series victory. He served exclusively as a designated hitter last year following the elbow surgery.
Q: When was the last time Ohtani pitched?
A: Ohtani last pitched in a bullpen session on February 25th. He is not expected to face hitters until after the Dodgers return from their season-opening series in Tokyo against the chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19.
Q: Is there a timeline for when Ohtani will return to pitching?
A: No, there is no firm timetable. Manager Dave Roberts clarified that there is no specific date set. The team is prioritizing his overall health and well-being. While Roberts initially suggested a return sometime in may, he later walked back that suggestion. The primary concern is not forcing anything.
Q: How is Ohtani performing as a designated hitter?
A: Ohtani has been performing well. he went 2-for-4 with a double in a game against the Texas Rangers. He is scheduled to play in consecutive spring training games for the first time as the Dodgers conclude their preparations.
Q: What’s the takeaway for fans?
A: The dodgers are being cautious with Ohtani’s return to pitching, focusing on his health and offensive contributions. Patience will be key as the team navigates his recovery. Keep an eye on his performance as a designated hitter and stay tuned for updates on his pitching rehab.
