Shohei Ohtani has yet to be in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for a Cactus League game, nor has he so much as faced batters as a pitcher, but the two-way superstar continues to make progress on both fronts.
The Dodgers already have ruled out Ohtani from pitching in a Spring Training game and he won’t go on a rehab assignment before returning to the mound around May.
With that rough timeline in mind, Ohtani has continued to throw bullpen sessions during Dodgers Spring Training workouts at Camelback Ranch. The latest of which was 25 pitches on Saturday, an increase from throwing 14 his first time off the mound this spring and 21 in a second session.
Moreover, Ohtani’s fastball velocity also increased and he incorporated throwing a cutter for the first time.
“Got his fastball up to 95 (mph), which is great,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Building up on the pitch count, so really positive day for Shohei. Heard afterward he felt good coming out of it. … Big step.”
As Ohtani is planning his return to being a two-way player this season, the Dodgers are taking an open approach on how to best manage his workload.
There’s the potential — if not likelihood — for more off days this year compared to Ohtani’s first season with the Dodgers. One carryover from 2024 is going to be Ohtani remaining the leadoff hitter in the Dodgers lineup.
As of now indications are that will remain the case even for games Ohtani pitches.
When is Shohei Ohtani playing?
Coinciding with his Spring Training workout routine including bullpen sessions, Ohtani is navigating a ramp-up period in order to be a designated hitter in Cactus League play.
He just started facing pitches and Roberts said Ohtani is due to make his 2025 Dodgers Spring Training debut later this week.
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