Shohei Ohtani took significant steps in his recovery journey as he threw 22 pitches to three batters during live batting practice today. This session marked a key moment for the star player, who is working his way back following elbow surgery. According to reports from MLB.com’s Sonja Chen and the Dodgers beat, Ohtani primarily focused on fastballs, while also incorporating a couple of sweepers and a splitter into his pitches.
In anticipation of this milestone, Ohtani was originally scheduled to hold a BP session on Saturday, but it was deferred to today due to the Dodgers’ grueling 13-inning game that extended into the early hours. This Sunday marks Ohtani’s first time pitching to hitters since his surgery in 2023, reflecting a careful approach by the Dodgers as they manage his rehabilitation.
Ohtani has been progressing steadily with bullpen sessions over the past couple of months, where he even increased his pitch count to 50 last weekend while showcasing a fastball reaching mid-90s. While he has begun introducing breaking pitches into his workout regime, he is not expected to participate in games until after the All-Star Break.
The Dodgers are aware of the unique challenges presented by Ohtani’s rehab process, given that he is returning from his second major elbow surgery. Typically, pitchers would undergo an extensive minor league rehab assignment before returning to Major League Baseball, but the Dodgers are committed to keeping Ohtani’s bat in the lineup as well. Furthermore, Ohtani’s recovery is further complicated by a prior offseason shoulder surgery he underwent due to a labrum tear during the World Series.
Despite these challenges, Ohtani’s offensive prowess remains undiminished. He continues to perform at an elite level, boasting a .302/.397/.643 line across 232 plate appearances, leading the majors with 53 runs and sharing the home run lead with 17, tying with notable players such as Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber.
Overall, Ohtani’s resilience and ongoing contributions to the team offer a beacon of hope for Dodgers fans, showcasing his determination to bounce back stronger. The road may be complex, but his progress indicates a promising return on the horizon.