Shohei Ohtani has established himself as an elite two-way player, but is being limited to only filling a designated hitter role in his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers while recovering from a second right elbow surgery.
Ohtani sustained the UCL injury during a start against the Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 23, 2023, as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.
The two-time American League MVP has been making strides in his recovery as he hit 80 mph during a recent throwing session. He also advanced to playing catch from 90 feet and has continued to add onto the distance over recent weeks.
Ohtani believes his recovery from a second Tommy John surgery has gone well in part due to his decreased workload, via Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:
“I think it’s unquestionable that I’m able to recover properly because there’s less of a workload,” Ohtani said in Japanese. “Plus, as I pile up experience year after year, I’m growing as a hitter. I think that’s leading to good results.”
Ohtani has exclusively served as a DH this season but could potentially work out at different positions down the line to help keep busy. That’s not expected to translate to playing the outfield for the Dodgers, however.
Ohtani has shown that his latest elbow surgery is not having any impact on his ability as a hitter. He’s on pace to set new career highs in runs scored, total hits, doubles, home runs and RBI, among other statistics.
What the recovery did impact, though, was Ohtani’s potential participation in the 2024 Home Run Derby. He had interest in doing do but ultimately skipped the event at Globe Life Field to focus on his rehab process.
Shohei Ohtani pitching stats
In parts of five seasons as a pitcher with the Angels, Ohtani went 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA, 3.30 FIP, 1.08 WHIP and 11.4 strikeouts per nine over 481.2 innings (86 starts). He finished fourth in AL Cy Young Award voting during the 2022 season.
If all continues to go well in his recovery, Ohtani should be able to return to the mound next year and give the Dodgers another frontline starter.
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