For as prolific as Shohei Ohtani is as a hitter, Dodgers fans have yet to see him throw a pitch in Dodger Blue.
Over his decorated career, Ohtani is 38-19 on the mound with a career ERA of 3.01. Per nine innings, he averages a whopping 11.4 strikeouts.
A power fastball sitting in the high 90s is complemented primary by a cutter and a sweeper — though Ohtani also has a splitter, sinker, and traditional curveball to go to.
As one recalls, Ohtani spent all of last year recovering from the elbow surgery he underwent in September of 2023.
The Dodgers have understandably been immensely cautious in helping Ohtani return to the form he once demonstrated as one of the best starters within the American League.
Manager Dave Roberts appeared on The Jim Rome Show last week. Rome had mentioned that Ohtani recently threw his third bullpen session last weekend.
“[Ohtani] looked great. It’s easy velocity. And this guy, he’s a unicorn. He is physical, he is big. He’s throwing his fastball — four-seam, two-seamer, his splitter, he’s kind of easy 92-93 [MPH]. He’s got a light bullpen today. He’s got a full one Saturday. Hopefully soon he’ll start facing some hitters.”
In terms of a timetable on when he’d be back pitching, Roberts said it’s going to be a while.
“Time of return, we’re still at a couple of months away,” Roberts said. “I know that’s still vague. We’re just trying to get to the next step and see where we’re at. Certainly expect him to pitch for us this year and through the postseason.”
It’s paramount that Ohtani does not re-injure his surgically-repaired elbow.
With the depth the Dodgers have intentionally accrued, it’s enabled Ohtani to slowly build up strength and confidence in his pitching arm.
Once fully healthy, he figures to be a major piece of the Dodgers’ pitching puzzle moving forward
