Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Throws Second Live Bullpen as Recovery Heats Up
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On Saturday, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani faced live hitters for the second time since he underwent surgery to repair his UCL in September 2023.
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Ohtani pitched two innings at Dodger Stadium, and threw one strikeout, issued one walk, three grounders, and a couple of line-drive hits. Ohtani’s faced two minor-league hitters in his 29-pitch outing with rookie backup catcher Dalton Rushing behind the plate.
The bullpen indicates Ohtani is one step closer to returning to his two-way player status.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 17: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws before the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 17: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws before the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Harry How/Getty Images
Ohtani faced live hitters for the first time last Sunday at Citi Field. He threw 22 pitches over five at-bats to infielder Hyeseong Kim, Rushing, and Dodgers game planning and communication coach JT Watkins.
Dodgers teammates as well as coaching staff gathered around the diamond at Citi Field to witness Ohtani take the mound — a testament to the hype surrounding the reigning National League MVP’s pitching debut with the Dodgers.
He threw two strikeouts, issuing one walk and a line drive from Kim to right field. Ohtani’s fastball sat around 95 mph, but touched 97 mph, according to Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior.
Manager Dave Roberts explained why Ohtani won’t join the Dodgers rotation for some time, likely around the All-Star break.
“I just think that you’re talking about end of May, he’s doing his first simulated game,” Roberts said. “And in theory, you got to build a starter up to five, six innings. And so just the natural progression, I just don’t see it being before that.”
Prior reiterated how calculated Ohtani has been with his throwing progression from spring training on.
“He has taken a very methodical approach to this. We’ve tried to take a very methodical approach to this, understanding the uniqueness of the situation,” Prior said. “I will never, and I don’t think anybody in that room would ever, doubt what he can do. But, you know, still got a long way to go. We’ll see where it comes out at the end of this year.”
A few hours after Ohtani faced hitters for the first time last weekend, the Dodgers superstar hit a leadoff home run off New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga.
Ohtani hit two home runs off New York Yankees ace Max Fried Friday night, and will return to the lineup Saturday for the second game of the Fall Classic rematch.
One can only imagine what Ohtani, the MLB home run leader, will do then.
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