Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani is in the process of building back up, and has made two pitching starts thus far.
More news: Dodgers Could Move Shohei Ohtani Down in Lineup on Pitching Days, Says Dave Roberts
Both starts lasted just one inning, which was expected as manager Dave Roberts revealed the plan was for Ohtani to serve as an opener. Last Monday, Ohtani made his long-awaited pitching debut with the Dodgers.
The 30-year-old hit the ground running as he was tasked with facing the top of the San Diego Padres lineup, which features Fernando Tatis Jr., three-time batting champion Luis Arraez, and Manny Machado. It took Ohtani 28 pitches to get through one inning.
The right-hander allowed one earned run on two hits and threw 16 strikes.
Ohtani’s second outing was much more effective. On Sunday against the Washington Nationals, the two-way star tossed a scoreless inning on 18 pitches.
He had two strikeouts, earning his first as a Dodger against Luis Garcia Jr.
Fans are wondering when Ohtani will fully be built back up as a starter in the rotation, but Roberts revealed that may never happen this season.
“I think we’re always gonna be cautious,” Roberts said. “So I don’t even know what that’s going to look like, to be ‘fully built-up.’ I don’t think anyone knows what that looks like. Because it’s not a normal starting pitcher. So to say six (innings) and 90 (pitches), I don’t even know if we’ll get to that point.”
The Dodgers feel that anything they can get from Ohtani as a pitcher is considered a win, especially with 13 pitchers currently on the IL. Thus, they aren’t worried about him being fully built up.
More news: Dodgers All-Star Voting Update — 7 Players in Prime Position, Andy Pages Outside Looking In
Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Have you joined our Discord Channel yet? Be a part of the ultimate Dodgers Nation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time Dodgers talk, call-in access to Dodgers Dougout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, giveaways, and more!
