Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is making real progress in his recovery from elbow surgery. In his latest bullpen session at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani threw 50 pitches—quite a jump from the 35 he tossed last time out.
This step matters for both Ohtani and the Dodgers, especially with key pitchers in their rotation dealing with injuries. The timeline for Ohtani’s return is still up in the air, but most signs point to the post-All-Star break.
Manager Dave Roberts keeps stressing patience here. He wants Ohtani fully ready for the big moments in September and October.
Shohei Ohtani’s Rehabilitation Progress
Ohtani’s comeback has been slow and steady, with every move watched closely. In his recent session, he threw 25 pitches, took a short breather, then fired off another 25.
They’re building his strength and endurance bit by bit. So far, Ohtani’s sticking with his four-seam and two-seam fastballs and splitters—no offspeed stuff just yet.
They’re being careful not to rush and risk a setback. It’s all about making sure he’s actually ready when he returns.
Manager Dave Roberts’ Perspective
Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ manager, has been clear about not pushing Ohtani too soon. He knows what Ohtani could mean for the team, but he’d rather wait than gamble with his health.
Roberts has said he’d much prefer to have Ohtani’s arm in top shape for September and October instead of forcing a quick comeback. It’s a long-term strategy that feels necessary, especially with so many other pitchers hurt.
Impact on the Dodgers’ Rotation
The Dodgers’ starting rotation has taken some serious hits lately. Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki have all landed on the sidelines in recent weeks.
Ohtani’s return could really change the dynamic, bringing both his pitching and his bat back into the mix. The team’s eager for him to get back, but they know they can’t afford to rush things either.
Challenges and Expectations
Ohtani’s progress looks good, but he’s not out of the woods yet. He still hasn’t faced live batters since his surgery, and the next step will be mixing in his breaking balls during sessions.
That’ll be a big milestone—when he starts facing hitters, a return to game action gets a lot closer. Dodgers fans are hopeful, but there’s a sense of caution too. Nobody wants to risk another setback.
The Road Ahead
As Ohtani keeps working through his rehab, the Dodgers are keeping their eyes on the bigger picture. They want him ready for the stretch run and the playoffs, where his skills could really tilt the scales.
The team’s sticking to a patient approach, aiming for long-term impact instead of a quick fix. It’s the smart move, even if the wait feels a little longer than anyone would like.
Looking Forward
People can’t help but feel the anticipation for Ohtani’s return, and it’s not just Dodgers fans. Baseball fans everywhere are buzzing about it.
Ohtani brings something rare to the field with his two-way skills. He’s a thrill to watch, honestly.
As he recovers, the baseball world keeps a close eye on him. Everyone’s eager to see him back in action, hopefully making a big impact for the Dodgers.
If you want all the details on Shohei Ohtani’s latest bullpen session, check out the full article on the MLB website.
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