Shohei Ohtani has taken a significant step towards his return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers following his recent elbow surgery. On Sunday at Citi Field, Ohtani faced hitters for the first time since his operation, throwing 22 pitches in a simulated setting. This marked an important moment in his rehabilitation journey, especially as he also hit a leadoff home run in the same game against the New York Mets.
During his hitting practice, Ohtani faced five batters, including his teammates Hyeseong Kim and Dalton Rushing, showcasing a range of pitches that included a fastball clocked at 94-97 mph, along with sinkers, cutters, sweepers, and a splitter. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed enthusiasm about the session, noting that it was a “good first step” for Ohtani.
Mark Prior, the Dodgers’ pitching coach, praised Ohtani for his performance, indicating that he was able to throw his complete arsenal effectively. The session lasted about 10 minutes and featured moments of levity, with teammates cheering from behind the batting cage, highlighting Ohtani’s ability to keep the mood light while remaining focused on his pitching mechanics.
After his mound session, Ohtani quickly transitioned back into his batting role and launched a 411-foot homer into the second deck, marking his 18th home run of the season and his fourth leadoff homer this year. This performance is particularly notable as he continues to recover from surgery on September 19, 2023, which was his second major elbow operation since joining the majors.
Ohtani’s return to the batting lineup showcases his versatility and determination, especially as he aims to maintain his performance while gradually working back into pitching shape. As Roberts indicated, contingent on how he feels, Ohtani is expected to have further bullpen sessions and live pitching practice in the coming days. He may not pitch in a major league game until after the All-Star break, but the updates indicate a positive trajectory in his recovery.
Ohtani’s journey and achievements resonate strongly with baseball fans, as he continues to prove that significant medical setbacks don’t hinder talent and dedication. His track record as a two-way player only adds to the anticipation surrounding his return to the mound, with hopes that he will maintain a standard of excellence that he has shown throughout his career. With a .296 batting average and solid performance metrics, Ohtani remains a key player for the Dodgers, who are navigating their own injury challenges among other pitchers.