Shohei Ohtani is making his second start as a pitcher on Sunday when the Los Angeles Dodgers conclude their homestand against the Washington Nationals. Clayton Kershaw and Dustin May, respectively, are starting the first two games of the series.
The outing is going to come six days after Ohtani made his Dodgers pitching debut. He threw 28 pitches in one inning and allowed one run to the San Diego Padres.
“I’m not quite happy with the results overall, but I think the biggest takeaway for me is I feel good enough to make my next outing,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton.
Manager Dave Roberts said after the game that Ohtani’s next turn in the rotation would potentially come this weekend or when the Dodgers start their road trip. That it would potentially come at Coors Field was not a concern with respect to fatigue, Roberts assured, though it’s not clear if that ultimately was a factor in the team’s decision.
It’s possible Ohtani will stretch out to two innings against the Nationals, but Roberts has said building up in every start is not a guarantee. Similar to how his rehab process was handled, the Dodgers will adjust accordingly when necessary.
What generally can be expected is Ohtani will average one start every six or seven days. The initial handful of outings will effectively constitute as a Minor League rehab assignment.
Ohtani threw in three simulated games before officially taking the mound for the Dodgers. His last session saw the right-hander get up to 44 pitches over three innings.
It was after that point Ohtani assured the Dodgers he was ready to start in a Major League game for the first time since Aug. 23, 2023.
Dodgers learning Shohei Ohtani
Among the various factors involved with Ohtani’s return to pitching is the Dodgers gathering information with each start. That entails being open to providing him with a possible day of rest prior to or after outings as a pitcher, and potentially dropping Ohtani down in the lineup.
Though, Ohtani assured Roberts he could handle remaining the leadoff hitter this past Monday, which suggests that will continue to hold true moving forward.
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