Shohei Ohtani Progresses in Recovery: Second Live Pitching Session
At Dodger Stadium, Shohei Ohtani had his second live batting practice session in a week, continuing his progress following elbow reconstruction surgery. The player, who recently hit two home runs in Friday’s victory, demonstrated his dedication and advancement in his recovery.
Before an audience that included teammates, coaches, and executives, Ohtani threw 29 pitches in two simulated innings. This is a step up from the previous session where he threw 22 pitches in a simulated inning.
Ohtani used his entire pitching repertoire, including his four-seam fastball, sinker, cutter, sweeper, and splitter, against two Dodgers minor league players. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts estimated that Ohtani’s fastball velocity stayed in the mid-90s mph.
The tentative plan is for Ohtani to have a live batting practice session every weekend, gradually increasing the workload in each session. Roberts emphasized that Ohtani still has a ways to go before making his season debut on the mound.
“I’m not sure if it will be another two-inning session next Saturday, or if it will go to three. But that’s the program.”
Dave Roberts
Although he wasn’t as precise as the previous week, Ohtani showed flashes of his ability. He induced two groundouts in the first two at-bats, but then conceded a walk and allowed three hard hits, including a fly ball that almost reached the fence.
“I think I wish his command had been a little better,” Roberts said. “But it was a really positive day for Sho.”
Dave Roberts
Meanwhile, the current National League MVP has continued to be the best hitter in the sport. Ohtani began Saturday leading the majors with 22 home runs. He was third in OPS (1.064) and wRC+ (187).
“I think the most impressive thing is his ability to divide the work,” Roberts said. “In essence, he’s doing the work of two players. And yet, to go out and perform on the offensive side is quite remarkable.”
Dave Roberts
