Will Ohtani Take the Mound Before the All-Star Game? Exploring His Chances!

SAN DIEGO – Shohei Ohtani made an exciting move in his recovery by throwing 44 pitches in three simulated innings at Petco Park. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned that there’s a “north of zero” chance Ohtani could be back in the rotation before the All-Star break.

Initially, many thought Ohtani’s return might be in August. However, Dodgers officials are impressed by his pitching control, despite him not pitching for nearly two years. His “two-way player” status allows him to pitch without counting against the team’s 13-pitcher limit, giving the Dodgers more options in managing their roster. This means Ohtani can start with shorter outings, like two to three innings, paired with another pitcher to cover the rest.

Roberts emphasized that they don’t need a full buildup for Ohtani. “Anything that he can give us is certainly additive,” he said. The team will take guidance from Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who handled Ohtani’s previous surgery and the training staff as they adjust his recovery pace, including pushing back some sessions when necessary.

Right now, the Dodgers face challenges with injuries, particularly in their pitching staff. A staggering 14 pitchers are currently on the injured list, including starters like Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. Both threw bullpen sessions on Tuesday but still need time to recover.

Roberts noted that while it’s tempting to rush Ohtani back into action, patience is key. “We’re still being very careful,” he added. Ohtani, who won the MVP as a designated hitter last season, had to stop pitching after injuring his shoulder during the World Series. Spring training became part of his recovery process, and he’s been working up from there.

Since facing live batters on May 25, Ohtani has stepped up his practice. He struck out six batters and had solid performances on the mound, showing promise with his fastball and breaking ball. The plan is for him to keep participating in simulated games and light bullpen sessions until he’s ready for the big leagues.

As the baseball community watches closely, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Ohtani’s comeback unfolds. His unique situation as a dual-threat player adds a layer of excitement to his return. This mirrors the trend in sports where injuries can sideline top players, making their comebacks highly anticipated events. The careful management of Ohtani’s recovery could set precedents for how teams handle similar situations in the future. The Dodgers seem committed to ensuring Ohtani’s safe reintegration into the game.

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