Shohei Ohtani’s Pitching Comeback: Taking It One Step at a Time
Shohei Ohtani, the gifted two-way star, is eagerly preparing to return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a season of focusing solely on hitting, Ohtani is set to throw his first bullpen session this weekend, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The surgery, performed in September 2023 while he was still with the Los Angeles Angels, has kept him off the mound for a significant period. Despite the challenges, Ohtani remains optimistic and is targeting a return to major league pitching in May. His determination and resilience are a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game.
Overcoming Obstacles: Ohtani’s Journey Through Injuries
Ohtani’s path to recovery has not been without its hurdles. In addition to the effects of Tommy John surgery, he is dealing with lingering discomfort in his left shoulder, which he injured during Game 2 of the World Series. "Just a limited range of motion," Ohtani explained to reporters through his interpreter in Glendale, Arizona. "I’ve gone through it with the elbow before, and with the shoulder, it’s a little bit more complicated. I do believe that’s the part that I have to be patient." This is not the first time Ohtani has faced such challenges; he underwent a similar surgery in September 2018 while with the Angels. His experience and the support of his team are crucial as he navigates this complex recovery process.
A New Chapter with the Dodgers
Ohtani joined the Dodgers last offseason on a historic 10-year, $700 million contract, making it the largest contract in sports history at the time. This deal was later surpassed by Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. Despite the financial significance, the focus remains on Ohtani’s performance and his ability to excel as both a pitcher and a hitter. In his first season with Los Angeles, Ohtani established career highs across the board, batting .310 with 54 homers, 130 RBIs, 134 runs scored, 197 hits, and 59 steals. His three-time MVP status speaks volumes about his talent and the impact he can have on the field.
Adjusting Workloads for Optimal Performance
As Ohtani prepares to return to pitching, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is planning to make adjustments to his workload to ensure he can handle the demands of being a two-way player. "As far as the pitching vs. hitting, he’s done it before," Roberts said. "He’s had big years doing both. We haven’t got there yet as far as what he’s comfortable with, what he feels good about." Possible adjustments include giving Ohtani more rest days from being the designated hitter and potentially reducing his basestealing attempts. These changes aim to balance his physical demands and maintain his peak performance. Roberts is looking forward to these discussions, acknowledging the complexity of managing Ohtani’s unique role.
Team Support and Rehabilitation
The Dodgers are providing Ohtani with the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition back to pitching. Manager Dave Roberts has made it clear that Ohtani will not pitch during spring training and will not participate in any minor league rehab stints. This cautious approach is designed to protect Ohtani’s health and ensure he is fully prepared for the rigors of the major league season. The team’s medical and coaching staff are closely monitoring his progress, making adjustments as needed to help him achieve his goals.
Looking Ahead: Ohtani’s Impact on the Dodgers
As Ohtani inches closer to his return to the mound, the anticipation within the Dodgers organization and among fans is palpable. His unique ability to excel as both a pitcher and a hitter makes him a valuable asset to the team. While challenges remain, Ohtani’s dedication and the support of his teammates and coaching staff position him well for a successful comeback. The Dodgers are poised to benefit from his return, and fans are eager to see him reclaim his place as one of the most dynamic players in baseball. Ohtani’s journey is a reminder of the perseverance and determination required to overcome adversity and achieve greatness in the sport.
