Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has taken a significant step in his recovery from elbow surgery, throwing a 50-pitch bullpen session on Saturday. This marks an advancement from his previous session where he threw 35 pitches. Ohtani’s progress is promising, although he did not include sliders in this session, opting instead to simulate a two-inning outing with a 25-pitch break in between.
Ohtani, who served as the designated hitter during the game against the Los Angeles Angels, hasn’t pitched in a major league game since August 23, 2023, as he continues to recover from his right elbow surgery performed on September 19, 2023. While no specific timeline for his return to the mound has been established, fans and analysts alike remain hopeful for his comeback.
On the same day, the Dodgers activated left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who made his season debut and added to his impressive career statistics, marking his 18th season in MLB. Kershaw recovered from toe and knee surgeries that had sidelined him to start the year, and he entered Saturday’s game as the club’s all-time strikeout leader, further underscoring his long-standing impact on the team.
In a roster move to accommodate Kershaw, the Dodgers optioned right-hander Ryan Loutos to Triple-A Oklahoma City and also transferred left-hander Blake Snell to the 60-day injured list. Snell has been managing a shoulder issue and hasn’t pitched since April 2, despite signing a significant contract in the offseason.
The situation around Ohtani and Kershaw highlights a period of transition for the Dodgers, with both pitchers showing resilience as they navigate their respective recoveries. Their eventual return could be crucial for the team’s success as they aim for the postseason.