Shohei Ohtani Advances in Pitching Recovery Following Elbow Surgery

The Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani took a significant step in his recovery by playing catch this past Tuesday. This session marked a continuation of his throwing program as he works to return from right elbow surgery.

Ohtani rejoined the Dodgers on Sunday following the birth of his first child, a momentous occasion for him and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka. In his first game back, the two-way star went 0-for-3 with a walk during the Dodgers’ narrow 1-0 victory against the Texas Rangers.

Throwing Sessions and Upcoming Plans

After an off day, Ohtani threw in the outfield at Wrigley Field ahead of a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that Ohtani is expected to have a light bullpen session on Wednesday, with a more intense bullpen session planned for Saturday.

Roberts commented on Ohtani’s progress, stating, “I still don’t know what the next step is. Once he starts facing hitters, the plan will become clearer. For now, he is focused on throwing bullpens, and he has not yet thrown sliders.” This cautious approach reflects the team’s commitment to ensuring Ohtani’s full recovery before he resumes pitching.

Ohtani’s Absence from the Mound

It’s noteworthy that Ohtani has not pitched in a major league game since August 23, 2023, while playing for the Los Angeles Angels. He underwent right elbow surgery on September 19, 2023. His competitive aspirations required him to pause pitching work after a mound session on February 25 to prepare for opening day strictly as a hitter.

The reigning NL MVP, who signed an unprecedented 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023, is currently batting .277 with six home runs and eight RBIs heading into the Chicago series. His dual-threat capabilities make his recovery a high priority for the Dodgers.

Blake Snell’s Recovery Update

In addition to Ohtani’s progress, left-hander Blake Snell also participated in a catch session on Tuesday, with Roberts indicating that it went well. Snell is currently on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation, and any positive updates could impact the Dodgers’ pitching depth moving forward.

Moreover, Tyler Glasnow remains on track to make his scheduled start on Sunday at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 31-year-old right-hander left the previous Sunday’s game against the Texas Rangers with lower leg cramps. Roberts shared, “I haven’t seen Glas, but from the training staff, they said that there is no more cramping. As we traveled here to Chicago, he was fine.” This update brings some relief to the Dodgers as they deal with injuries in their pitching rotation.

A Bright Future for the Dodgers

The Dodgers continue to navigate a challenging season with multiple injuries affecting their roster. As Ohtani works diligently to return to pitching form, his presence in the batting order remains a crucial asset. His stellar hitting performance echoes the team’s resilient spirit and pursuit of excellence.

The positive news surrounding both Ohtani’s and Snell’s recoveries sheds light on a brighter outlook for the Dodgers in the upcoming games. The emphasis on careful rehabilitation underscores the commitment to player health and the long-term aim of success.

As fans eagerly await Ohtani’s return to the mound, his story reflects a broader narrative within baseball about perseverance and resilience. The Dodgers remain optimistic about the future, hoping their star player can reclaim his role as one of the game’s elite pitchers.

Through continued updates on Ohtani, Snell, and other players, the Dodgers aim to keep fans informed while fostering excitement about the season ahead.

Reporting by The Associated Press.