Two months have already passed by within the 2025 MLB season, however there’s nonetheless a glimmer of hope that Shohei Ohtani will return as a pitcher sooner or later throughout it.
The Los Angeles Dodgers sensation Ohtani will progress this weekend to dealing with reside hitters, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reported on Friday. Ardaya notes that that is the very first time that Ohtani will face reside hitters since his September 2023 surgical procedure on his proper elbow.
Ohtani, who turns 31 years outdated in July, has not pitched in any respect for the Dodgers ever since his arrival earlier than the 2024 season. The Dodgers are additionally exercising important warning with Ohtani, particularly since that is his second main surgical procedure on his throwing elbow (after a 2018 Tommy John process).
The four-time MLB All-Star Ohtani continues to be a world-beater, at the same time as only a one-way participant in the intervening time. Because the Dodgers’ full-time designated hitter, Ohtani gained the NL MVP final 12 months on the power of MLB’s first 50-homer, 50-stolen base season. Ohtani remains to be ripping this season as nicely with 17 dwelling runs and 31 RBI on a .304/.398/.655 slash line by means of 48 video games.
As for his standing on the mound, Ohtani not too long ago progressed to throwing bullpen periods and is reportedly sitting at round 94-95 mph on his fastballs whereas incorporating some breaking balls in there as nicely. You possibly can learn Ardaya’s full report on the state of affairs right here.
The Dodgers have principally been mum on Ohtani’s progress towards a pitching return, significantly supervisor Dave Roberts’ most up-to-date feedback on the subject. However the expectation is that Ohtani shall be again on the hill sooner or later after the All-Star break with an final purpose of being at full power as a pitcher for the postseason.
