GLENDALE, Ariz. – The energy at Camelback Ranch is palpable as Shohei Ohtani takes his next steps with the Dodgers this spring.
With countless media capturing the moment and passionate fans flocking to witness the return of the star athlete, it’s evident that excitement is in the air.
Ohtani’s Bullpen Session
On Saturday morning, Ohtani reached a crucial milestone in his recovery journey: his first bullpen session since the start of spring training.
This long-anticipated moment was one that everyone in the Dodgers organization had been eagerly awaiting, as Ohtani looks to reestablish himself both as a pitcher and a hitter.
In this session, Ohtani threw 14 pitches, concentrating solely on his two- and four-seam fastballs.
Manager Dave Roberts observed that the pitcher’s velocity clocked in between 92 and 94 mph, a promising indicator for Ohtani’s return to the mound following his surgeries.
Roberts expressed his enthusiasm after the session, noting how well the ball came off Ohtani’s hand.
He highlighted the athlete’s upbeat attitude and strong command, calling it a significant day for Ohtani as he strives to return to form.
Rehabilitation Strategy
Having undergone ulnar collateral ligament surgery on his right arm in September 2023, followed by shoulder surgery in November, Ohtani is on track to be ready as a hitter for Opening Day, with hopes of returning to pitching in Major League Baseball by May.
During his throws, Ohtani remained engaged with the coaching staff, constantly checking metrics regarding his velocity and pitch movement.
Although there were a few hiccups with the technology, he skillfully adjusted his throws based on the insights relayed when everything was operating smoothly.
This adaptability has endeared him to the Dodgers’ coaching squad.
Roberts praised Ohtani’s keen understanding of his own pitching abilities, pointing out how often his observations matched the technical data gathered during the session.
Future Prospects
As the team prepares for an upcoming trip to Tokyo, Roberts is hopeful that Ohtani will be ready to face live hitters before spring training concludes.
While there’s some uncertainty about his readiness for more rigorous activities by that time, everyone remains focused on his progress.
Interestingly, the Dodgers have decided against having Ohtani participate in Cactus League games or pursue Minor League rehab assignments during the regular season.
Although two-way players can take part in rehabilitation outings without being placed on the injured list, the team plans to make the most of Ohtani’s prowess as a designated hitter.
This approach raises some intriguing questions about how Ohtani will manage to build his pitch count and innings without traditional game experience.
Currently, the strategy leans towards participating in simulated games to create a competitive environment.
Pitching coach Mark Prior mentioned that simulated games are frequently utilized for players in rehab, and they intend to adopt a similar strategy for Ohtani.
The logistical details are still being ironed out, which may involve either using bench players or inviting Minor League hitters to partake in these scenarios.
Bringing Ohtani back as both a hitter and pitcher presents a distinctive challenge; there’s no established framework for his specific rehabilitation.
Drawing on his previous experiences with Tommy John surgery, Ohtani navigates the complexities of returning from a second significant elbow operation.
As spring training progresses, the Dodgers are carefully balancing Ohtani’s sessions dedicated to hitting and pitching, a strategy that may evolve as training ramps up toward the end of camp.
Furthermore, Andrew Friedman, the president of baseball operations, has articulated the team’s goal of having Ohtani play both positions in the same game this season, a remarkable target demonstrating their commitment to his exceptional talents.
In this collaborative effort, the Dodgers place a lot of trust in Ohtani, valuing his insights throughout this remarkable journey.
Friedman underscored the uniqueness of Ohtani’s situation, highlighting the importance of his feedback and the synergy with the coaching staff.
It’s a groundbreaking path they’re navigating together, filled with hope and excitement for what’s on the horizon.
As they forge ahead, the team’s commitment to supporting Ohtani during his recovery is unwavering, recognizing that his health will be key to their success.
This shohei ohtani recovery journey not only emphasizes the collaborative culture within the organization but also showcases their dedication to cultivating talent in innovative ways.
With each step, they remain optimistic, knowing that the dedication of both Ohtani and the coaching staff will pave the way for a bright future.
