GLENDALE, Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani plans to throw his first bullpen this weekend as he goals to return to the mound from a one-season pitching layoff brought on by elbow surgical procedure.
The reigning Nationwide League MVP hasn’t pitched in a giant league recreation since Aug. 23, 2023, with the Los Angeles Angels. He had surgical procedure on his elbow that Sept. 19, which restricted him to a hitting function throughout his first season with the Dodgers in 2024.
Ohtani threw off flat floor Wednesday and is keen to get again on a mound.
“It’s going to be extra about touching the slope,” Ohtani mentioned via an interpreter. “Undecided what my depth goes to be.”
Supervisor Dave Roberts has already mentioned that Ohtani will not throw in Tokyo for the season opener in opposition to the Chicago Cubs on March 18-19. However the skipper is hopeful that the pitcher’s return to the mound could be “earlier than later.”
Ohtani mentioned he is been throwing his common arsenal of pitches throughout flat floor exercises, mixing in his sweeper for the primary time on Wednesday.
“I am very happy total with my throwing,” Ohtani mentioned. “Was in a position to throw with fairly good depth. It is a little bit chilly at the moment, however I used to be in a position to get my work finished.”
Ohtani can also be recovering from {a partially} torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, an damage sustained whereas sliding into second base throughout the World Collection. The 30-year-old has been in a position to take swings throughout spring exercises however for now has a “restricted vary of movement.”
“I do really feel like there’s some discomfort that I’ve to beat,” Ohtani mentioned. “It is probably not debilitating. I really feel fairly good nearly attending to the place I would like it to be.”
Ohtani performed 159 of 162 video games final season because the workforce’s designated hitter, however Roberts mentioned there may be extra days off when he is again to being a two-way participant.
“I will let the workforce dictate that,” Ohtani mentioned. “I do wish to play as many video games as attainable, but when the workforce feels I would like a break, I will comply with that.”
