Latest news with #Band-Aid
New York Post
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Dodgers make one thing clear about Shohei Ohtani's pitching return timeline after latest step
The Dodgers still don't seem in a rush with Shohei Ohtani, even as he makes steady progress toward returning to a big league mound Ohtani threw a third simulated game at Petco Park on Tuesday as he works his way back from his 2023 elbow surgery. Despite taking an important step, Dodgers manager David Roberts didn't want anyone to raise their expectations too high, telling reporters the chances of Ohtani pitching in a game before the All-Star break was 'north of zero.' 3 Shohei Ohtani rips a single during the fifth inning of the Dodgers-Padres game on June 10, 2025 in San Diego. Getty Images 'It's tempting,' Roberts said. 'I'm sure Shohei is tempted to just rip the Band-Aid off and get into a big league game, but I think we're doing a good job of trying to be patient.' During this outing, the righty from Japan threw 44 pitches in three innings of work. According to pitching coach Mark Prior, his fastball sat in the mid-90s. By the end of the session, Ohtani had six strikeouts. 'You start getting close to 44, you start getting into the 60- and 70-pitch range, then you can start envisioning and dreaming about being in a game,' Prior told reporters, according to 'Because then you know that he has the volume under him to go out there and at least take down multiple innings in a real game.' This latest outing for Ohtani marks a significant increase in workload. In the last simulated game, his pitch count only reached 29. Roberts is not going to push the superstar to the mound as quickly as possible. 'It certainly doesn't have to be a full buildup,' Roberts told reporters, 'because anything he can give us is certainly additive.' Nevertheless, the Dodgers might need Ohtani back on the mound due to the state of their pitching staff. Los Angeles has not had luck keeping their starters healthy this season. Right now, they have eight starting pitchers on the injured list. That has led to the Dodgers having only 316 innings recorded by starting pitchers, which is the fourth-lowest in the MLB. Star Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki are among those on the IL. 3 Shohei Ohtani hits a foul ball during the first inning of the Dodgers-Padres game on June 10, 2025 in San Diego. Getty Images 3 Shohei Ohtani pitching a simulated game in New York IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Luckily for the Dodgers, Snell threw his first bullpen session since being injured in April, Glasnow threw his third bullpen session, and Sasaki is continuing to do pitch and catch. If the Dodgers' starting rotation can return to full health and add a fresh Ohtani, that could make the rotation scary again.
Asahi Shimbun
a day ago
- Sport
- Asahi Shimbun
MLB/ Shohei Ohtani moves closer to his Dodgers mound debut, throwing 3 simulated innings in San Diego
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani watches from the dugout during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 8 in St. Louis. (AP Photo) SAN DIEGO--Shohei Ohtani is moving ever closer to his first pitching appearance for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In fact, there's now a chance his fans might not even have to wait until the All-Star break. Ohtani looked sharp while throwing three simulated innings on Tuesday at Petco Park before the Dodgers faced the San Diego Padres, manager Dave Roberts said. The outing was another significant step in Ohtani's recovery from the elbow surgery that has prevented the two-way superstar from pitching since he signed with the Dodgers before last season. Ohtani threw just under 50 pitches to two minor league hitters during the third simulated game in his gradual comeback to the mound. The three-time MVP used his fastball and sweeper impressively, according to Roberts and Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior. 'I thought he was really good,' Roberts said. 'I thought the fastball had life. I thought the sweeper was really good. ... (The hitters) said the stuff was coming out really well. It was about 44 pitches or something like that, so it was really good.' The Dodgers have been cagey about the timeline for Ohtani's return to the mound, with Roberts suggesting in recent weeks that it might not happen until after the All-Star break. But after Ohtani's latest mound outing, Roberts now says the chance of Ohtani pitching in a game before the All-Star break begins July 14 is 'north of zero.' 'It doesn't have to be a full buildup, because anything that he can give us is certainly going to be additive,' Roberts added. 'But I still stand by him and Dr. (Neal) ElAttrache, the training staff. They're going to drive this. So I'm just anxious for the next one.' Ohtani hasn't pitched in a major league game since Aug. 23, 2023, when he abruptly left in the second inning of his final start for the Los Angeles Angels. He was eventually diagnosed with a torn elbow ligament that required surgery. Ohtani has demonstrated elite pitching ability when healthy: He went 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP while starting 86 games over five seasons for the Angels. He didn't pitch at all in 2019 and made just two starts in 2020 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Ohtani has remained steadfastly committed to playing both ways despite his hitting prowess, and the Dodgers could really use him on the mound this season. Los Angeles has 14 pitchers on the injured list, including expected starters Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, Tony Gonsolin and Gavin Stone. Still, the Dodgers say they won't rush their cornerstone. 'It's tempting,' Roberts said with a smile. 'I'm sure Shohei is tempted to just rip the Band-Aid off and get into a big-league game, but I think we're doing a good job of trying to take care of him. And truth be told, I don't know if anyone knows the right time to get him into a big-league game, but we're still being very careful.' Ohtani has been only a designated hitter since he agreed to a 10-year, $700 million free-agent deal with the Dodgers. He immediately won his third MVP award in 2024, batting .310 with 54 homers, 130 RBIs and 59 stolen bases for the eventual World Series champions. Ohtani was in his usual spot as the Dodgers' leadoff hitter for Tuesday night's game against the Padres. Los Angeles planned to throw yet another bullpen game due to the rotation's extensive injury woes. Snell also threw his first full bullpen session in two months on Tuesday at Petco Park. The two-time Cy Young winner, who will throw another 20 pitches on Friday, has said his arm is now pain free after he was shut down with left shoulder inflammation on April 6. Snell made only two starts this season before going on the injured list. He agreed to a five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers last winter.
Fox Sports
a day ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Shohei Ohtani looked 'really good' throwing 3 simulated innings in San Diego
Shohei Ohtani is moving ever closer to his first pitching appearance for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In fact, there's now a chance his fans might not even have to wait until the All-Star break. Ohtani looked sharp while throwing three simulated innings on Tuesday at Petco Park before the Dodgers faced the San Diego Padres, manager Dave Roberts said. The outing was another significant step in Ohtani's recovery from the elbow surgery that has prevented the two-way superstar from pitching since he signed with the Dodgers before last season. Ohtani threw just under 50 pitches to two minor league hitters during the third simulated game in his gradual comeback to the mound. The three-time MVP used his fastball and sweeper impressively, according to Roberts and Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior. "I thought he was really good," Roberts said. "I thought the fastball had life. I thought the sweeper was really good. ... (The hitters) said the stuff was coming out really well. It was about 44 pitches or something like that, so it was really good." The Dodgers have been cagey about the timeline for Ohtani's return to the mound, with Roberts suggesting in recent weeks that it might not happen until after the All-Star break. But after Ohtani's latest mound outing, Roberts now says the chance of Ohtani pitching in a game before the All-Star break begins July 14 is "north of zero." "It doesn't have to be a full buildup, because anything that he can give us is certainly going to be additive," Roberts added. "But I still stand by him and Dr. (Neal) ElAttrache, the training staff. They're going to drive this. So I'm just anxious for the next one." Ohtani hasn't pitched in a major league game since Aug. 23, 2023, when he abruptly left in the second inning of his final start for the Los Angeles Angels. He was eventually diagnosed with a torn elbow ligament that required surgery. Ohtani has demonstrated elite pitching ability when healthy: He went 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP while starting 86 games over five seasons for the Angels. He didn't pitch at all in 2019 and made just two starts in 2020 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Ohtani has remained steadfastly committed to playing both ways despite his hitting prowess, and the Dodgers could really use him on the mound this season. Los Angeles has 14 pitchers on the injured list, including expected starters Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, Tony Gonsolin and Gavin Stone. Still, the Dodgers say they won't rush their cornerstone. "It's tempting," Roberts said with a smile. "I'm sure Shohei is tempted to just rip the Band-Aid off and get into a big-league game, but I think we're doing a good job of trying to take care of him. And truth be told, I don't know if anyone knows the right time to get him into a big-league game, but we're still being very careful." Ohtani has been only a designated hitter since he agreed to a 10-year, $700 million free-agent deal with the Dodgers. He immediately won his third MVP award in 2024, batting .310 with 54 homers, 130 RBIs and 59 stolen bases for the eventual World Series champions. Ohtani was in his usual spot as the Dodgers' leadoff hitter for Tuesday night's game against the Padres. Los Angeles planned to throw yet another bullpen game due to the rotation's extensive injury woes. Snell also threw his first full bullpen session in two months on Tuesday at Petco Park. The two-time Cy Young winner, who will throw another 20 pitches on Friday, has said his arm is now pain free after he was shut down with left shoulder inflammation on April 6. Snell made only two starts this season before going on the injured list. He agreed to a five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers last winter. Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Shohei Ohtani moves closer to his Dodgers mound debut, throwing 3 simulated innings in San Diego
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is moving ever closer to his first pitching appearance for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In fact, there's now a chance his fans might not even have to wait until the All-Star break. Ohtani looked sharp while throwing three simulated innings on Tuesday at Petco Park before the Dodgers faced the San Diego Padres, manager Dave Roberts said. The outing was another significant step in Ohtani's recovery from the elbow surgery that has prevented the two-way superstar from pitching since he signed with the Dodgers before last season. Ohtani threw just under 50 pitches to two minor league hitters during the third simulated game in his gradual comeback to the mound . The three-time MVP used his fastball and sweeper impressively, according to Roberts and Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior. 'I thought he was really good,' Roberts said. 'I thought the fastball had life. I thought the sweeper was really good. ... (The hitters) said the stuff was coming out really well. It was about 44 pitches or something like that, so it was really good.' The Dodgers have been cagey about the timeline for Ohtani's return to the mound, with Roberts suggesting in recent weeks that it might not happen until after the All-Star break. But after Ohtani's latest mound outing, Roberts now says the chance of Ohtani pitching in a game before the All-Star break begins July 14 is 'north of zero.' 'It doesn't have to be a full buildup, because anything that he can give us is certainly going to be additive,' Roberts added. 'But I still stand by him and Dr. (Neal) ElAttrache, the training staff. They're going to drive this. So I'm just anxious for the next one.' Ohtani hasn't pitched in a major league game since Aug. 23, 2023, when he abruptly left in the second inning of his final start for the Los Angeles Angels. He was eventually diagnosed with a torn elbow ligament that required surgery. Ohtani has demonstrated elite pitching ability when healthy: He went 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP while starting 86 games over five seasons for the Angels. He didn't pitch at all in 2019 and made just two starts in 2020 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Ohtani has remained steadfastly committed to playing both ways despite his hitting prowess, and the Dodgers could really use him on the mound this season. Los Angeles has 14 pitchers on the injured list, including expected starters Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, Tony Gonsolin and Gavin Stone. Still, the Dodgers say they won't rush their cornerstone. 'It's tempting,' Roberts said with a smile. 'I'm sure Shohei is tempted to just rip the Band-Aid off and get into a big-league game, but I think we're doing a good job of trying to take care of him. And truth be told, I don't know if anyone knows the right time to get him into a big-league game, but we're still being very careful.' Ohtani has been only a designated hitter since he agreed to a 10-year, $700 million free-agent deal with the Dodgers. He immediately won his third MVP award in 2024, batting .310 with 54 homers, 130 RBIs and 59 stolen bases for the eventual World Series champions. Ohtani was in his usual spot as the Dodgers' leadoff hitter for Tuesday night's game against the Padres. Los Angeles planned to throw yet another bullpen game due to the rotation's extensive injury woes. Snell also threw his first full bullpen session in two months on Tuesday at Petco Park. The two-time Cy Young winner, who will throw another 20 pitches on Friday, has said his arm is now pain free after he was shut down with left shoulder inflammation on April 6. Snell made only two starts this season before going on the injured list. He agreed to a five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers last winter. ___ AP MLB:
San Francisco Chronicle
a day ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Shohei Ohtani moves closer to his Dodgers mound debut, throwing 3 simulated innings in San Diego
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is moving ever closer to his first pitching appearance for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In fact, there's now a chance his fans might not even have to wait until the All-Star break. Ohtani looked sharp while throwing three simulated innings on Tuesday at Petco Park before the Dodgers faced the San Diego Padres, manager Dave Roberts said. The outing was another significant step in Ohtani's recovery from the elbow surgery that has prevented the two-way superstar from pitching since he signed with the Dodgers before last season. Ohtani threw just under 50 pitches to two minor league hitters during the third simulated game in his gradual comeback to the mound. The three-time MVP used his fastball and sweeper impressively, according to Roberts and Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior. 'I thought he was really good,' Roberts said. 'I thought the fastball had life. I thought the sweeper was really good. ... (The hitters) said the stuff was coming out really well. It was about 44 pitches or something like that, so it was really good.' The Dodgers have been cagey about the timeline for Ohtani's return to the mound, with Roberts suggesting in recent weeks that it might not happen until after the All-Star break. But after Ohtani's latest mound outing, Roberts now says the chance of Ohtani pitching in a game before the All-Star break begins July 14 is 'north of zero.' "It doesn't have to be a full buildup, because anything that he can give us is certainly going to be additive," Roberts added. 'But I still stand by him and Dr. (Neal) ElAttrache, the training staff. They're going to drive this. So I'm just anxious for the next one.' Ohtani hasn't pitched in a major league game since Aug. 23, 2023, when he abruptly left in the second inning of his final start for the Los Angeles Angels. He was eventually diagnosed with a torn elbow ligament that required surgery. Ohtani has demonstrated elite pitching ability when healthy: He went 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP while starting 86 games over five seasons for the Angels. He didn't pitch at all in 2019 and made just two starts in 2020 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Ohtani has remained steadfastly committed to playing both ways despite his hitting prowess, and the Dodgers could really use him on the mound this season. Los Angeles has 14 pitchers on the injured list, including expected starters Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, Tony Gonsolin and Gavin Stone. Still, the Dodgers say they won't rush their cornerstone. 'It's tempting,' Roberts said with a smile. 'I'm sure Shohei is tempted to just rip the Band-Aid off and get into a big-league game, but I think we're doing a good job of trying to take care of him. And truth be told, I don't know if anyone knows the right time to get him into a big-league game, but we're still being very careful.' Ohtani has been only a designated hitter since he agreed to a 10-year, $700 million free-agent deal with the Dodgers. He immediately won his third MVP award in 2024, batting .310 with 54 homers, 130 RBIs and 59 stolen bases for the eventual World Series champions. Ohtani was in his usual spot as the Dodgers' leadoff hitter for Tuesday night's game against the Padres. Los Angeles planned to throw yet another bullpen game due to the rotation's extensive injury woes. Snell also threw his first full bullpen session in two months on Tuesday at Petco Park. The two-time Cy Young winner, who will throw another 20 pitches on Friday, has said his arm is now pain free after he was shut down with left shoulder inflammation on April 6. ___
