What's next for Shohei Ohtani after ramping up his pitching progression
What's next for Shohei Ohtani after ramping up his pitching progression (Image Source: Getty Images)
Shohei Ohtani's recent incorporation of sliders and curveballs into his rehabilitation routine represents a pivotal breakthrough in the Los Angeles Dodgers' championship aspirations.
The two-way sensation successfully executed breaking pitches during Tuesday's pre-game bullpen session at Dodger Stadium, marking his first departure from the fastball-splitter combination that has dominated his recovery program since returning from dual surgeries. This development signals that Ohtani's reconstructed right elbow and repaired left shoulder are responding positively to increased workload demands, positioning the Dodgers closer to regaining their ace pitcher.
Shohei Ohtani's
breaking ball breakthrough
signals an accelerated recovery timeline
Shohei Ohtani's special ability with a breaking ball is valuable in many ways, not just for its variety. His surgically fixed ulnar collateral ligament can handle the stress of throwing sliders and curveballs. Manager Dave Roberts said that Ohtani is now able to throw 50 pitches in a row, similar to what he would do in a real game.
This approach was developed by the Dodgers after Ohtani had his September 2023 Tommy John surgery and November shoulder labrum repair.
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The team continues to say that hitting in minor league games is the main step it needs to see before allowing him to play in the Majors. If Ohtani continues to progress, baseball analysts believe he may be ready to take the mound as a starter sometime after the All-Star break ends.
Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation desperately needs Shohei Ohtani's return amid an injury crisis
Ohtani's presence in the rotation is more important now because the Dodgers' pitchers currently rank 23rd with a poor ERA of 4.22. The injuries to Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki have hurt the team's rotation, while Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, and Kirby Yates have been missing from the bullpen.
Andrew Friedman, as President of Baseball Operations, accepted the team's calm approach after Ohtani's two surgeries, and he expected no full-season pitching. The Dodgers have decided to avoid Minor League rehabilitation and will use simulated games to get Ohtani ready for the big leagues once he faces batters.
Ohtani keeps producing offensively, sporting a .311/.405/.668 slash line and 17 home runs, which is tied for the most in the MLB.
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Ohtani's breaking ball milestone represents more than medical progress—it symbolises the Dodgers' path back to championship contention with their two-way superstar approaching full capability.
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