Dodgers set expected timeline for Ohtani’s return to pitching… read more
The wait for Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound is slowly coming to an end. According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani is likely to resume pitching in Major League games sometime in May. However, Roberts also hinted that Ohtani’s return could be earlier, depending on his progress during Spring Training.
Ohtani, who didn’t pitch at all during his first season with the Dodgers due to a 2023 UCL repair procedure on his right elbow, is still recovering from left shoulder surgery in November. Despite the setbacks, Ohtani has been working diligently on his offseason throwing program, which he began in December.
Roberts had previously stated that it was “very unlikely” that Ohtani would pitch during the team’s season-opening series against the Cubs in Tokyo. However, with Ohtani’s progress and the Dodgers’ abridged Spring Training schedule, it’s possible that he could return to the mound sooner rather than later.
Ohtani himself has expressed optimism about his rehab, stating that he feels “on schedule” and has resumed hitting. The Dodgers are also encouraged by the fact that Ohtani injured his back shoulder, which is his non-throwing arm, rather than his lead shoulder.
Roberts has been impressed with Ohtani’s progress, saying that he recently saw videos of Ohtani throwing and was struck by how smooth and effortless his motion looked. “You just wouldn’t think that there was any surgery this past winter,” Roberts said.
The Dodgers are expected to employ a six-man rotation this year, which will give them plenty of options to fill in while Ohtani gets back to full strength. One of those options is Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old phenom whom the Dodgers signed last month.
Despite the optimism surrounding Ohtani’s return, there are still some questions about how effective he will be on the mound. Ohtani’s 2023 UCL repair was his second major elbow surgery, and it’s unclear how he will recover from the procedure.
When Ohtani first returned to the mound after recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2018, he made only two starts in 2020. However, the next year, Ohtani was back to normal as a pitcher, posting a 3.18 ERA across 23 starts in 2021.
It’s worth noting that Ohtani’s first recovery from major elbow surgery may not be indicative of how he will recover from the second one. The 2020 season was shortened and delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the timeline for players to ramp up was different. Additionally, it’s more difficult to come back from a second major elbow surgery, and the shoulder procedure adds another variable to the equation.
Despite the uncertainty, the Dodgers are confident that Ohtani will be able to overcome the challenges and return to form. As Freddie Freeman, who is also rehabbing from offseason surgery, said, “I think his shoulder is going to be in a good spot. I mean, he’s got two arms that he’s rehabbing right now, but I think Shohei’s going to be Shohei.”
Ohtani’s unique talent and work ethic have always set him apart, and the Dodgers believe that he will be able to overcome the obstacles and return to his two-way superstardom. As the wait for Ohtani’s return to the mound continues, one thing is clear: when he finally does return, it will be a moment to remember.
