Ohtani is making an impression on the mound and at the plate, despite slightly decreased offensive performance.
Shohei Ohtani’s return to two-way status is going about as well as anyone could have hoped.
Although he’s taking a measured approach to restarting on the mound, Ohtani is still making an impression. He’s given up one run, four hits, and one walk while striking out six batters in his six innings of work—a great record if taken all as one outing, Jack Harris at the Los Angeles Times points out.
And that’s not all: Ohtani’s fastball regularly hits 100 mph, even after a second Tommy John surgery, and his command is still excellent. He’s even introduced a lower arm angle to ensure optimal performance after surgery.
“He understands his delivery and what he’s trying to do,” manager Dave Roberts said. “So obviously coming off the second Tommy John, I think this probably puts his arm in the best position, [where he] feels best. I like where he’s at.”
When it comes to batting, Ohtani is still at the top of his game—he leads the National League in homers and slugging percentage—but taking the mound has created some extra fatigue at the plate. When he’s in the lineup the day after a pitching outing, he’s 0 for 12 so far.
Roberts isn’t concerned, though. “I think he’s still taking good at-bats,” he said. “I still don’t mind where he’s at right now.”
Dodgers Notes
Who’s the best team in baseball? Four baseball execs agreed that it’s the Dodgers…when they’re healthy, according to The Athletic’s Jayson Stark.
Maybe the team’s slew of injuries is why the cracks are starting to show a bit more. Kevin Baxter at the Los Angeles Times breaks down key differences between this year’s team and last year’s, including the types of injuries they’re facing.
Clayton Kershaw wasn’t sure what to make of his “Legend Pick” entry into his 11th All-Star Game, but he’s happy to make a return trip to the game anyways, according to ESPN.