Shohei Ohtani Returns to the Mound on Monday
Los Angeles Dodgers announce the expected return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound. The star pitcher will make his debut on Monday night, facing the San Diego Padres, divisional rivals. Ohtani, who is recovering from a second ulnar collateral ligament repair, will pitch as a starter, possibly for one inning. His designation as a two-way player allows the Dodgers to have an additional pitcher on the roster, providing flexibility to use a reliever behind him. This plan will be implemented in his first outings, a result of Ohtani’s progress in the final phase of his rehabilitation as a pitcher. At 30 years old, Ohtani initially seemed on track to return around August. However, he took a big step in his third simulated game at Petco Park in San Diego on Tuesday, throwing 44 pitches in three simulated innings and striking out six against low-level minor league players.After the game, manager Dave Roberts indicated that the date could be moved up, informing the media that it was a “high possibility” that Ohtani would pitch in a Major League game this week as a starter, probably during the next four-game series against the Padres. “He’s ready to pitch in a Major League game,” Roberts told reporters.He’s ready to pitch in a Major League game. He let us know.
Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
