Dodgers Don’t Have Set Date For Shohei Ohtani Pitching Debut, Says GM
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani appears closer than ever to making his debut on the mound for LA.
Ohtani reportedly threw a bullpen session last week prior to a game versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. Per manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani threw 31 pitches. His current repertoire is focusing on the four-seam and two-seam fastballs, and a splitter. The rest of the pitches Ohtani can throw will reportedly be incorporated once he faces hitters.
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While there might be a rough estimate as to when he’ll be pitching in Dodger Stadium, it’s not completely known as of right now.
Sonya Chen of MLB.com was able to procure some quotes from general manager Brandon Gomes. Being a savvy guy with the media, Gomes intentionally was not super specific as to a timeline on Ohtani’s eventual return to the mound.
“It’s going to be a week by week [process],” general manager Brandon Gomes said Saturday. “We have a general sense, we’ve got to make sure that he’s feeling good and we’re being smart so we can’t lose the offensive side of it as well. … In a lot of these rehabs, you kind of set a date and work backward. I think on this one, you’re moving forward, because it’s a one-of-one type thing.”
Ohtani’s rehabilitation process seems a bit more complicated than the average pitcher. For one, the team has invested more money in him than any other player in the history of the league besides what the New York Mets gave Juan Soto this past offseason.
The thought to give Ohtani a rehabilitation start in the minor leagues is not an option. If the Dodgers were to do that, they’d be taking him out of their lineup. As such, much of Ohtani’s build up will come versus hitters in simulated games on off days and prior to games.
As of May 2, the Dodgers have the best record in baseball — and that’s without a fully healthy roster. As long as the team keeps winning at this clip, Los Angeles can be especially cautious in reintegrating Ohtani back into the mix until he’s fully ready.
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Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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