Shohei Ohtani Touches 97 MPH in First Live BP Session With Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani faced live hitters for the first time since he underwent surgery to repair his UCL in September 2023. The two-way star threw 22 pitches in a simulated inning on Sunday at Citi Field.

Read more: Shohei Ohtani Completes First Live BP With Dodgers: Here’s How it Went

Ohtani’s fastball sat at 95 mph, but touched up to 97 mph, according to Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior.

Ohtani threw 22 pitches over five at-bats to Hyeseong Kim, Dalton Rushing, and Dodgers game planning and communication coach JT Watkins. He threw two strikeouts, issue one walk and a line drive from Kim to right field.

While Ohtani is not expected to return to the rotation anytime soon, facing live hitters is huge step toward returning to two-way status for the reigning NL MVP.

The Dodgers have taken a cautious approach with Ohtani’s throwing progression, and have not rushed him back to the mound, despite all the injuries to the starting rotation.

The next step for Ohtani will likely be to face live hitters on a consistent basis, since the superstar can’t go on a minor league rehab assignment.

More news: Dodgers Lineup vs Mets: Hyeseong Kim Out, Michael Conforto Returns

Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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