Shohei Ohtani Takes ‘Big Step’ In Recovery At Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training

Following elbow surgery that kept him off the mound for the entire 2024 season, Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is diligently working towards his return to pitching.

According to the Los Angeles Times, manager David Roberts informed reporters that Shohei Ohtani reached 95 mph with his fastball during today’s bullpen session. This marks a significant progression, as Ohtani’s fastball velocity ranged between 92 and 94 mph in his previous session. In addition to his pitching work, Ohtani threw 32 pitches during batting practice.

Shohei Ohtani Working In Cutter At Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training

MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers-Workouts
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Roberts also noted that Ohtani included his cutter in today’s bullpen session, a development he characterized as a “big step” in Ohtani’s recovery process.

The star’s projected timeline for a return to the mound has not changed, as he’s expected to first begin pitching in games sometime in May.

Ohtani is coming off a remarkable 2024 season, his inaugural year with the Dodgers. He posted a .310 batting average, hit 54 home runs, and drove in 130 runs on 197 total hits. Notably, Ohtani became the first player in Major League Baseball history to achieve a 50-50 season, combining his 54 home runs with over 50 stolen bases.

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His stellar performance culminated in his selection as the National League MVP. Ohtani is taking a cautious approach in spring training games, which is understandable given the team’s expectations for his offensive production throughout the regular season. He is also anticipated to return to pitching duties at some point. Furthermore, it is important to remember that Ohtani is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

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