Shohei Ohtani cleared a major hurdle in his recovery process by facing batters for the first time before the Los Angeles Dodgers’ series finale against the New York Mets at Citi Field.
Ohtani pitched to teammates Hyeseong Kim and Dalton Rushing, in addition to Dodgers game planning coach J.T. Watkins. The three-time MVP threw 22 pitches, recording two strikeouts and walking a batter while allowing only one hit to Kim.
Ohtani incorporated all of his pitches, including a curveball and slider that he only recently began throwing in bullpen sessions. The two-way star sat between 94-97 mph with his fastball, which was another encouraging sign as he works his way back from a second career Tommy John surgery.
Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior was among those in attendance and believes Ohtani made things look effortless, via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“I think today was great because he was able to keep the mood light, but be able to maintain real stuff,” pitching coach Mark Prior said. “I think that’s always important. He didn’t look like he was having stress or [was] under stress to amp up, try to generate any of his power. He was loose and it was all free and easy. So that’s always a positive.”
Ohtani was originally scheduled to pitch to hitters on Saturday, but it got pushed back due to the Dodgers and Mets playing 13 innings the night before.
Prior to Sunday, Ohtani had been on a schedule of throwing a light bullpen session every Wednesday and fuller work off the mound on Saturdays. He’s now expected to incorporate facing batters on the weekend moving forward.
When will Shohei Ohtani pitch for Dodgers?
The Dodgers have not set a firm timeline for Ohtani to make his return to pitching this season. However, it has been reported that he won’t do so until after the All-Star break.
It is believed that Ohtani will continue ramping up with weekly bullpen sessions and simulated games as opposed to eventually going on a rehab assignment, which would take him out of the Dodgers lineup.
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