Shohei Ohtani nears his return as a pitcher with the Dodgers
Japanese star Shohei Ohtani is getting closer and closer to returning to the mound with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although the organization remains cautious, the recovery process is progressing positively and the coaching staff is already preparing the next steps for his full reintegration into the pitching staff.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the player will perform a key bullpen session this Friday in Detroit. This practice will be fundamental to evaluate Ohtani’s physical condition and determine if he is ready to face batters in a real game scenario or if he needs to continue with his strengthening program.
Flexibility in the Dodgers’ schedule
The Dodgers’ management has opted to maintain a flexible schedule. According to projections, the return could take place during the series against the Detroit Tigers or, failing that, during the following week when the team returns to Los Angeles. Everything will depend on how his body responds after Friday’s training.
Ohtani’s response after that session will be decisive in determining when and in what capacity he will return to the mound. We don’t want to rush a process that has been extremely careful so far.
Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
Let us remember that Ohtani last pitched on July 3rd, when he experienced discomfort in his left knee. Since then, he has worked hard on his rehabilitation, highlighting his recent session of 30 pitches against live batters last Saturday, a milestone that marked a turning point in his recovery.
Non-stop strategy in minor leagues
To maximize his impact, the Dodgers have decided not to send Ohtani on a minor league rehab assignment. The goal is clear: to keep the Japanese phenom in the starting lineup as a hitter while he gradually increases his workload on the mound.
Among the tactical options the team is considering for their return are the following:
- Use Ohtani as an opener before Tyler Glasnow enters.
- Integrate left-hander Eric Lauer to cover a greater number of innings while Ohtani regains his full stamina.
For the moment, the Los Angeles coaching staff is awaiting Friday’s results to finalize their plans, keeping expectations high among fans about seeing the Japanese star shining once again in both facets of the game.
