Shohei Ohtani on the mound at Dodger Stadium, working his way back from elbow surgery as he aims to pitch for the Dodgers in future seasons. ©Ideogram
Shohei Ohtani has made a splash in his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, proving his worth as a slugger after signing a historic 10-year, $700 million contract. The dual-threat superstar became the first player in MLB history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, adding another milestone to his already legendary career.
While Ohtani has shined at the plate, fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the mound. After undergoing elbow reconstruction surgery, the two-way phenom hasn’t pitched this season. Here’s what we know about Ohtani’s chances of pitching in the postseason and beyond.
Ohtani’s Recovery and Pitching Progress
Ohtani has been slowly working his way back to pitching form. On August 24, just one day after joining the exclusive 40-40 club, he publicly tested his arm from a mound. More recently, on Wednesday, Ohtani spent 15 minutes practicing his pitching form at Dodger Stadium before a pivotal game against the San Diego Padres.
During this session, Ohtani worked on throwing harder strikes from a shorter distance, aiming against a padded outfield wall. Dodgers staff members and his interpreter, Will Ireton, were present, with Ireton recording Ohtani’s form for the star player to review later.
However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has remained cautious about Ohtani’s progress. “I don’t know his throwing program,” Roberts said, focusing on Ohtani’s role as a hitter for the time being.
Will Ohtani Pitch in the Postseason?
With just three games left in the regular season, Ohtani hasn’t been officially ruled out for the playoffs. However, all indications suggest he won’t be returning to the mound until 2025. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman told the Orange County Register that Ohtani pitching in the postseason was “not really an option.”
Although a formal discussion regarding Ohtani’s pitching status is still pending, Roberts hinted that an upcoming meeting will determine the next steps for his rehabilitation. Most likely, the focus will be on crafting an optimal rehab schedule that prepares Ohtani to pitch next season.
Shohei Ohtani’s Historic Season
Despite being sidelined as a pitcher, Ohtani’s impact has been undeniable. In addition to his 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, the star is still making headlines. Ohtani’s 50th home run ball is headed to auction, sparking curiosity about its potential sale price.
As Ohtani continues his road to recovery, fans are hopeful to see him back on the mound in 2025, when he can once again showcase the full range of his remarkable talent for the Dodgers.
For sale: Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball is expected to fetch a significant price at auction, with many speculating it could be one of the most valuable pieces of modern baseball memorabilia.
Stay tuned for updates on Shohei Ohtani’s pitching future and his quest to dominate as both a hitter and pitcher for the Dodgers!
Also Read: Shohei Ohtani’s Historic 50-50 Milestone Chase: Tracker and Highlights
