Shohei Ohtani Makes Major Progress in His Journey to Return to Pitching for the Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani has firmly established himself as one of baseball’s most formidable players, and his potential return to the mound could elevate his status even further. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ star, known for his remarkable abilities as a two-way player, has been sidelined from pitching for 641 days following elbow surgery in September 2023.

However, during a simulated game ahead of a match against the New York Mets at Citi Field, Ohtani threw 22 pitches to five batters, marking a significant milestone in his recovery. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, pitching coach Mark Prior, and his teammates closely observed his session, which hinted that Ohtani could soon be back on the mound in a competitive setting.

“I haven’t thrown in a while, so it was nice to be able to feel like I was a pitcher,” Ohtani remarked through interpreter Will Ireton after the Dodgers’ 3-1 defeat to the Mets. He reflected on the positive memories associated with his time as a pitcher.

In the simulated game, Ohtani focused primarily on fastballs, cutters, and sinkers, achieving speeds between 94 and 97 mph. After beginning his MLB journey with the Los Angeles Angels, he had pitched for five seasons in Anaheim.

His recent 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers raised high expectations, which were temporarily thwarted by his elbow surgeries. However, Roberts expressed optimism that Ohtani would likely return to the mound after the All-Star break in mid-July.

Roberts noted the excitement of seeing Ohtani pitch again, particularly given the Dodgers’ current pitching challenges—three starters are out due to shoulder injuries. Meanwhile, Ohtani’s impressive batting performance continues, as he leads the league with 20 home runs this season.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza also acknowledged Ohtani’s unique talent and impact on the game, describing him as “special.” The excitement culminated later that day when Ohtani hit a stunning 411-foot home run off Mets pitcher Kodai Senga, showcasing his elite talent both on the mound and at the plate.