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Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani inched closer to his highly anticipated return to the mound this week, marking a pivotal milestone in his recovery from offseason elbow surgery. The two-way phenom, who has dazzled as a designated hitter this season, took a significant step forward by facing live batters for the first time since his injury—a moment that has Dodgers fans and MLB analysts buzzing about his dual-threat resurgence.
Shohei Ohtani faces live batters: A critical step forward
On Sunday, Ohtani emerged from the bullpen at Citi Field with a glove in hand, ready to test his rehabilitated arm against live hitters. In a controlled but competitive session, he threw 22 pitches across five plate appearances, showcasing his signature velocity and precision.
First batter: Utility player Hyeseong Kim grounded out.
Second batter: Catching prospect Dalton Rushing struck out swinging.
Third batter: Communications coach JT Watkins, a former minor leaguer, whiffed on a sharp breaking ball.
Ohtani’s fastball crackled with its usual ferocity, while his splitter and slider left batters flailing. The session wasn’t flawless—Kim later drilled a line drive down the right-field line, prompting Ohtani to jokingly ask outfielder Teoscar Hernández if he’d have chased the hit—but the right-hander finished with a mix of confidence and humor, walking Watkins on five pitches before exiting the mound upbeat.
This marked Shohei Ohtani’s first live batting practice since September 2023, when elbow discomfort cut his Angels season short. For the Dodgers, it’s a promising sign that their $700 million investment could soon reclaim his historic two-way role.
Timeline adjustments: From May to postseason caution
Initially, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hinted at a May 2024 return for Ohtani’s pitching duties. However, the team has adopted a cautious approach following a 26-pitch bullpen session in April that revealed lingering stiffness. Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported the organization now aims to have Ohtani “ready for the postseason,” prioritizing his long-term health over regular-season urgency.
The strategy aligns with Ohtani’s unparalleled value. As a hitter, he’s already delivering MVP-caliber numbers, slashing .312/.412/.654 with 18 home runs and 14 stolen bases. Reintroducing his arm too soon risks jeopardizing both his batting production and pitching longevity.
What’s Next? Building stamina and trust
Shohei Ohtani’s next steps involve incremental workload increases:
Extended bullpen sessions to refine command.
Simulated games to replicate high-pressure scenarios.
Minor league rehab starts (likely in August) to build endurance.
The Dodgers’ medical team will monitor his elbow closely, ensuring no recurrence of the UCL inflammation that sidelined him last fall. “We’re not rushing this,” Roberts emphasized. “Shohei’s too important to our present and future.”
Why this matters beyond the Dodgers
Ohtani’s return to pitching isn’t just a boost for Los Angeles—it’s a seismic event for MLB. Since his 2018 MLB debut, he’s redefined modern baseball, proving that elite two-way play is possible in an era of specialization. His comeback could reignite debates about his place among legends like Babe Ruth while elevating the Dodgers’ World Series odds.
If Ohtani returns to form by October, the Dodgers’ rotation transforms from solid to spectacular. Pairing him with Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto would create a nightmare trio for postseason opponents. Meanwhile, his bat remains a linchpin in a lineup already leading the NL in runs scored.
Shohei Ohtani’s live batting session wasn’t just a rehab milestone—it was a glimpse of baseball’s future. For now, the Dodgers will temper expectations, but fans can dream: A healthy Ohtani on the mound and at the plate could make 2024 the year he cements his legacy as the game’s most transcendent talent.
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