Shohei Ohtani is on the brink of a thrilling return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and fans can hardly contain their excitement. Sunday marked a pivotal moment in his rehab process as he faced hitters for the first time since undergoing elbow surgery, launching his return campaign amidst whispers of expectation at Citi Field.
Before the Dodgers took the field against the New York Mets, Ohtani threw 22 pitches in a simulated setting, showcasing the incredible talent that has made him a household name. Reflecting on the experience, Ohtani shared, “I haven’t thrown in a while, so it was nice to be able to feel like I was a pitcher again.” His infectious enthusiasm is a reminder of the joy and nostalgia that come with returning to one’s roots.
In front of a crowd of reporters, Ohtani took to the mound against five batters, including teammates Hyeseong Kim and Dalton Rushing. Manager Dave Roberts couldn’t hide his excitement, stating, “I thought it was a good first step. Certainly exciting for all of us.” You could sense the collective hope from the Dodgers organization, as pitching coach Mark Prior observed intently, noting that Ohtani’s fastball clocked in between 94-97 mph, a range that hints at the explosive talent he possesses.
From the windup, Ohtani was all smiles, even managing to snag a comebacker while also striking out two batters and walking one in a session that spanned about ten minutes. The energy was palpable, with the coaching staff and teammates fostering a light-hearted atmosphere as Kim sent a line drive into right field, a hit that could have easily resulted in extra bases. Prior remarked, “He was moving the ball both sides of the plate,” underscoring that this was no ordinary batting practice; Ohtani’s pitches had life and movement, making it a promising outing.
Dodgers game-planning coach J.T. Watkins also stepped in at the plate to give Ohtani a right-handed matchup, resulting in a strikeout and a playful bat flip after drawing a walk. “Obviously, we were having some fun out there,” Prior said. As fun as it was, it was clear that Ohtani was mixing business with enjoyment, maintaining a relaxed vibe while delivering sharply executed pitches.
The excitement was so contagious that even Mets manager Carlos Mendoza paused to witness Ohtani’s antics. “He’s special,” Mendoza said, commenting on Ohtani’s dual-threat capability that’s so rare in today’s game. With a showcase like this, it was hard not to feel a buzz in the air about what’s to come.
About four and a half hours later, Ohtani put on yet another display of his brilliance, driving Kodai Senga’s second pitch 411 feet into the second deck for his 18th home run of the season—tied for the league lead. It was a moment that reminded everyone of his extraordinary capabilities, signifying that he is not just a pitcher but a generational talent at the plate as well.
Ohtani’s road to recovery started after his second major elbow surgery on September 19, 2023, which followed his last pitching appearance on August 23 with the Los Angeles Angels. These surgeries have been significant in shaping his career, but as Prior assessed, “It looked good. He looks healthy.” The positive signs in this first live batting practice are encouraging as Ohtani seeks to reestablish himself on the mound.
Looking ahead, it seems likely he’ll continue throwing sessions this week, with the anticipation growing among fans and teammates for his next steps. Ohtani’s expected bullpen session on Wednesday could offer further clarity on his progress, as the Dodgers look forward to having him pitch again, likely not until after the All-Star break in mid-July.
After signing a record-setting $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers, Ohtani returned as a hitter last season and claimed his third MVP award, batting .310 with 54 home runs—a testament to his status as one of baseball’s elite performers. This season, he’s already making headlines as a designated hitter, boasting impressive stats while providing stability to a team battling through injuries among its pitching staff.
In the grand game of baseball, Ohtani’s return is not just welcome; it’s a boon for the sport as a whole. His ability to captivate audiences as both a pitcher and a hitter is a thrill that transcends traditional roles, reminding us all why we love this game. For now, the spotlight remains on him, and given his remarkable talent and resilience, it’s clear that fans are in for an exciting ride this season. Stay tuned, because with Ohtani on the mend, the Dodgers’ journey is about to get even more exhilarating.
