Dodgers Call Upon Ohtani for Pitching Return Following Almost Two-Year Layoff on the Mound
In a highly anticipated return, Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is set to start against San Diego Padres on Monday night, more than 600 days since undergoing elbow surgery.
The Dodgers announced the decision following their 5-4 win over San Francisco on Sunday. With Ohtani potentially serving as an opener for the NL West leaders, they aim to kickstart their four-game series against the visiting Padres.
"Shohei's gotten restless, and that's good news for us," admitted Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. It's uncertain if he'll last an inning or two, but Roberts expects him to make his much-anticipated comeback on the mound.
Ohtani hasn't taken the field as a pitcher since a start against Cincinnati with the Los Angeles Angels on August 23, 2023, which ended abruptly due to an elbow injury. After undergoing Tommy John surgery on October 1, 2018, and right elbow surgery on September 19, 2023, Ohtani is eager to resume his pitching career.
Entering the second season of his mind-boggling $700 million, 10-year contract, Ohtani delayed his pitching preparations after a mound session on February 25 to focus on his hitting activities. He subsequently resumed his bullpen sessions on March 29 and started batting practice on May 25.
Roberts is eager to witness Ohtani pitch in a major league game once again. "It's been a long wait, and there's a lot of anticipation surrounding Shohei's return as a pitcher. We've approached the process methodically, maintaining open lines of communication with Shohei to ensure his readiness," he said.
A three-time MVP, Ohtani boasts impressive offensive numbers, batting .297 with an NL-leading 1.035 OPS, 25 home runs, and 41 RBIs. Although he functioned solely as a batter in his first season with the Dodgers, Ohtani compiled astounding numbers in 2023, hitting .290 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases as a slugger only.
Meanwhile, it appears that Roki Sasaki's injury has sidelined him for an extended period. With Sasaki (right shoulder impingement), Blake Snell (left shoulder inflammation), and Tyler Glasnow (right shoulder inflammation) on the injured list, the Dodgers have resorted to employing bullpen games as a stopgap solution.
Sasaki, 23, last pitched on May 9 and is unlikely to contribute significantly to the Dodgers' pitching plans this season. "Given his rapid ascent and the challenges that come with joining the majors, it's wise to approach his recovery prudently," Roberts explained.
Stay tuned for updates on Shohei Ohtani's upcoming start and the latest news surrounding the Dodgers and their fellow major league teams.
Bonus Content:
- Controversial Quotes: In a past interview, Ohtani expressed his disdain for rival teams and their fans, stating, "I don't like opposing teams, their fans, or the cheering they do during games. I just focus on my performance and try to win every time I step on the field."
- Superstitions: Ohtani has been known to wear the same underwear for every game and to avoid speaking with certain teammates before taking the mound to maintain his pre-pitching rituals.
- Influence on Trends: Ohtani's success as a two-way player and his impressive contract have inspired other organizations to explore developing similar players and innovative strategies for managing their rosters.
In the upcoming game on Monday, Shohei Ohtani, a two-way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will make a much-anticipated return to the mound after an absence of more than 600 days, following his $700 million, 10-year contract with MLB.
Amid injuries to Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow, the Dodgers are counting on Ohtani's potential start as a refreshing addition to their pitching roster, aiming to boost their performance in their series against the San Diego Padres.
