Shohei Ohtani took a significant step towards his return as a two-way player with the Los Angeles Dodgers. On Saturday, Ohtani participated in 14 bullpen sessions, throwing fastballs and practicing breaking pitches off a mound. The sessions were relatively minor, but they marked an important milestone in his rehab process.
Ohtani is not expected to join the rotation until May and will face hitters at some point in March, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. However, the team plans to simulate games with simulated at-bats against Ohtani, using little-used bench players or minor leaguers, to mimic live action.
The approach will require creativity due to a lack of precedent. Ohtani’s rehab process was unique even last year, when he faced hitters before the postseason. This time around, he will also act as an important member of the Dodgers’ lineup in April while navigating his final stages of rehab.
Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior praised Ohtani’s dedication and communication skills, saying that the team needs to be “nimble” and adjust to meet his needs. Prior compared Saturday’s session to a toe-in-the-water approach, similar to last year’s rehab.
Ohtani’s ulnar collateral ligament repair in September 2023 and labrum surgery on his left shoulder in November 2024 have raised concerns about his recovery. However, Prior says that Ohtani looks “really good,” despite some discomfort and limited range of motion due to the shoulder injury.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43862628/dodgers-star-shohei-ohtani-throws-first-bullpen-spring