The Los Angeles Dodgers and the rest of the MLB community are still waiting with bated breath for Shohei Ohtani’s pitching return that is expected to take place this season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ initial projection of a May return for Ohtani looks more and more unlikely by the day as the team takes a cautious approach with the 30-year-old.
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However, Ohtani has been making steady progress ever since he resumed a throwing program following the Dodgers’ return from the Tokyo Series. That includes completing bullpen sessions with regularity , generally on Thursdays and Saturdays for the time being.
Ohtani is still limited in his rehab as of now, but he hopes to be able to progress to facing hitters soon with permission from his doctor and team staff, according to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“I’m still at the stage in which I have limits on the types of pitches I can throw and limits on speed,” he said. “I think that will be something I discuss with the doctor and the team staff. Personally, I think it’s something I’d like to do not too far out.”
While Ohtani is eager to take a step forward, he’s understanding of the Dodgers deferring to Dr. Neal ElAttrache and not rushing the process:
ElAttrache “said that since it’s my second operation, it’s better to be careful,” Ohtani said. “Personally, I think I’d like to go along with that.”
The depth of the Dodgers’ starting rotation was always expected to be strongest in the latter part of the season, when the likes of Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw and Emmet Sheehan were healthy again. But Tony Gonsolin’s minor back issue and Blake Snell landing on the 15-day injured list currently has the team stretched thin.
The Dodgers will again have to figure out how to fill in Snell’s spot in the rotation after Justin Wrobleski struggled in his audition and was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Knack is expected to make a second start next week.
Meanwhile, as Ohtani continues to throw bullpen sessions, he recently incorporated splitters for the first time.
Shohei Ohtani wants more Dodgers celebrations at White House
After completing his first visit to the White House, Ohtani is hoping to have many more in the future as part of his wish for the Dodgers to continue winning championships in the years ahead.
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