Shohei Ohtani Returns to the Mound on Monday
The Los Angeles Dodgers have confirmed that Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese star, will return to pitch as a starter next Monday. The game will take place at Dodger Stadium, where they will face the Colorado Rockies. Ohtani was scratched from Wednesday’s opener in Pittsburgh due to chest congestion. Despite this, he remained in the lineup as the leadoff hitter and designated hitter.The last time Ohtani started a game was August 27th. In that game, he achieved his first win as a Dodgers pitcher, working five innings against the Cincinnati Reds. On that occasion, he threw 87 pitches, his highest of the season, and struck out nine batters. While recovering, Ohtani continued to excel with his bat. In Tuesday’s loss against the Pirates, he hit his 100th home run in a Dodgers uniform. This hit, with a speed of 120 mph, became the most powerful of his career in the Major Leagues and the sixth strongest since Statcast began measuring in 2015. The flu-like state has not only affected Ohtani. Roberts reported that other team players, including Max Muncy, who is in the process of rehabilitation for a right oblique injury, have experienced similar symptoms. Ohtani’s return to the mound is positive news for the Dodgers at this crucial stage of the season. Each start by the Japanese player is fundamental to strengthening the team’s rotation.Manager Dave Roberts explained that, considering the player’s physical condition, the coaching staff decided not to force him from the mound. “When you’re sick and possibly dehydrated, we believed that the strain of pitching was not advisable,” he stated.
Dave Roberts
