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Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani took a huge step toward returning to the mound. Over the weekend, Ohtani faced live hitters for the first time since he underwent surgery to repair his UCL in September 2023.
More news: Shohei Ohtani Provides Major Update After First Live BP for Dodgers
The reigning NL MVP threw 22 pitches over five at-bats at Citi Field Sunday. The typical route for pitchers would be going on rehab assignment after facing live hitters; however, manager Dave Roberts explained why Ohtani can’t do the same.
“Obviously the buildup is important,” Roberts said. “But so is him taking five at-bats in a game.”
As the Dodgers’ designated hitter, Ohtani plays a pivotal everyday role in the lineup and the team can’t afford to lose him while he’s on a rehab assignment. The next step for the Dodgers superstar will likely be facing hitters on a consistent basis.
Ohtani provided an update on how he felt about his performance on the mound.
“Just really felt good overall, just looking at the overall execution,” Ohtani said through his interpreter. “It was a really good first step, and looking forward to the next one.
“I haven’t thrown (to hitters) in a while, so it was nice to be able to feel like I was a pitcher,” Ohtani said. “I just kind of remembered those days when I used to have a lot of good memories as a pitcher.”
Ohtani’s pitching debut still appears to be a ways away, but the latest update bodes well for a depleted Dodgers rotation.
More news: Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Reveals When Michael Kopech Will Return
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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