Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has provided updates on Shohei Ohtani’s pitching recovery, indicating that the versatile star is making progress in his rehabilitation. Roberts revealed that Ohtani is progressing well in bullpen sessions, though he is not yet ready to take the mound in a Major League Baseball game, having undergone elbow surgery that has prevented him from pitching since his time with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani: Face Hitters, Sim Games, and Sliders
“Hopefully, at some point in time, we’ll get him to face some hitters and do some simulated games,” Roberts said in an interview with FOX Sports, outlining the next steps in Ohtani’s progression. The team is focusing on Ohtani’s recovery, particularly his ability to effectively throw his slider, a crucial pitch in his arsenal.
Regarding Ohtani’s pitching progress, Roberts noted that the timing of his return to throwing his slider remains uncertain. “I think it’s more [of a] medical [decision],” Roberts said, per MLB.com. “I think it’s just the strain on the elbow. That’s the thought. I don’t know when that’s [going to] change.”
Despite Ohtani’s current absence from the pitching rotation, the Dodgers have demonstrated their strength as a team. They hold a 23-10 record after defeating the Atlanta Braves 10-3 on Saturday, showcasing their continued ability to compete at a high level.
Ohtani’s impact is still felt on the plate. He is currently hitting .293 with eight home runs, maintaining the offensive prowess that has made him one of baseball’s most formidable players.
The Dodgers’ success extends beyond Ohtani’s offensive contributions. The team’s overall talent, including contributions from pitcher Roki Sasaki (who earned the win against Atlanta), has propelled them to a strong start. In the game against the Braves, Ohtani homered and scored three runs, contributing to the Dodgers’ current hot streak of seven wins in their last ten games.
Currently leading the National League West, the Dodgers continue their series against the Braves, with LA fans eagerly anticipating Ohtani’s eventual return to the mound.