Shohei Ohtani continues to prove that he’s not only the biggest star in Major League Baseball, but also one of the most remarkable athletes in sports today. The Los Angeles Dodgers slugger and two-way sensation is showing resilience on and off the field as he works his way back to full strength on the mound, while continuing to dominate in the batter’s box.
Despite recovering from offseason elbow surgery, Ohtani has been throwing bullpen sessions and working closely with Dodgers coaches to gradually build up his throwing routine. While he’s not cleared for full-intensity pitching yet, his optimism and discipline show he’s committed to making a return as a dual-threat player.
“There’s some limitation on how hard I am supposed to throw or how many types of pitches I’m allowed to throw,” Ohtani said, per ESPN. “Once that’s cleared, I will be able to do all of the above. I feel pretty good about throwing live BP.”
That confidence carried over into his performance at the plate on Monday night, when Ohtani nearly hit for the cycle in a 6-4 loss to the Washington Nationals. The performance came just hours after the Dodgers visited the White House and met with President Donald Trump, who had praise for Ohtani during the team’s celebratory appearance.
Ohtani finished a double shy of the cycle, collecting multiple hits and two RBIs in a game that reminded everyone how dangerous he is in the batter’s box—even while recovering from surgery. The previous series against the Phillies saw him struggle, but Monday marked a strong bounce back.
“Even that last at-bat to earn the walk versus Finnegan and not try to chase a cycle speaks to being a team player and passing the baton,” manager Dave Roberts said. “He had an excellent night.”
That patience and unselfishness is part of what makes Ohtani so unique. Despite the temptation of a rare individual milestone, he focused on helping the team, drawing a walk in his final plate appearance rather than swinging wildly.
“It’s kind of hard to say he was struggling, but tonight he was locked in,” Roberts added.
Ohtani, now batting .311 with four home runs and five RBIs, has been a major contributor to the Dodgers’ 9-3 start. He’s adjusted his approach to avoid putting stress on his elbow while still delivering elite production at the plate.
“My approach doesn’t really change — it’s to really get on base,” Ohtani said. “That fourth at-bat I really should have just taken a hack and see what happens.”
Even while limited as a one-way player, Shohei Ohtani continues to set the tone for the Dodgers and show why he’s one of the most valuable athletes in the sport. With his eventual return to the mound on the horizon, L.A. fans have every reason to believe the best is yet to come.
