Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Shohei Ohtani is attempting to return as a two-way player in the wake of a second major elbow surgery. Ohtani is on his way to winning his third MVP Award in four years after signing the largest contract in baseball history. Ohtani is tied for the National League lead in batting average (.302), home runs (34), and ranks second in RBI (81). He’s also first in OPS (1.008) and third in stolen bases (32). A 40-40 season is well on the horizon and perhaps even the Triple Crown too. Now, it appears he is set to take a big step forward in his pitching recovery.
According to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN, Ohtani is close to throwing off the mound again. His program will soon go from three days a week to four, then five. By early September, the two-time MVP could start throwing off a mound again with the possibility of facing live hitters before the end of the season.
Shohei Ohtani Eyes Mound Work in Season’s Final Stretch
Ohtani has progressed from “throwing from 150 feet at 85% intensity” and will soon increase in regularity. At that point, Ohtani will then shut down throwing until he begins building up for next season, his return to being a two-way player again. Even without being a pitcher this season, Ohtani has been an offensive juggernaut.
In a three-year stretch from 2021-23, he hit .277/.379/.585 with 124 home runs and 57 stolen bases in 447 games. He also posted a 2.84 ERA with 542 strikeouts in 428 2/3 innings. His most recent rear occurred in the lower part of his UCL, closer to the forearm. His second elbow surgery was only an internal bracing procedure. It’s a reason why Ohtani was able to come back to hitting by Opening Day, not even six months after the surgery.
Ohtani wants to pitch next season. His determination to return to the mound shows ambition and passion. If he can make a full recovery and return to his pitching potential, he could rewrite baseball history.
Main Photo: © Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
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