Already among the most dreaded baseball players is Shohei Ohtani. He is about to grow even more frightening.
Following elbow surgery in September 2023, the two-way player who pitches and bats for the Los Angeles Dodgers has not thrown to batters in 641 days. But in a simulated game prior to the Dodgers’ Sunday game against the New York Mets at Citi Field, Ohtani pitched 22 pitches to five hitters.
From a few feet away, peers, pitching coach Mark Prior, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts watched. It was the first indication that three-time MVP Ohtani could be making a major game contribution shortly.
Following the Dodgers’ 3-1 defeat to the Mets, Ohtani remarked, “I haven’t thrown in a while, so it was nice to be able to feel like I was a pitcher,” through translator Will Ireton. “I simply kind of recalled those days when I used to have a lot of great memories as a pitcher.”
Ohtani allegedly tossed sinkers with two sweepers and a sinker along with fastballs and cutters. His fastball varied in speed from 94 to 97 mph. .
Ohtani pitched five seasons in Anaheim following starting his MLB career with the Los Angeles Angels. Expecting that would continue, he signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Two procedures on his elbow, however, stopped that dream, thus far he only hit for the Dodgers.
Roberts said things probably will change during the All-Star break in mid-July.
Roberts said following Ohtani’s throw, “I’ve grown so used to seeing him as a hitter.” It was unusual to see him on the mound just as a pitcher, then. And most definitely interesting for all of us.
Given such a protracted hiatus, prior stated he was amazed what he seen.
“He looks good. He appeared to be healthy. Prior said. “That’s usually the crucial part with facing batters; he feels secure, his endurance is good, he maintained his stuff. From that vantage point, everything was excellent. Pitchwise, everything seemed fine as well.
