Ohtani's attempt to return to mound not looking good.
Photo credit: https://www.rnz.co.nz
Shohei Ohtani appears to be behind schedule when it comes to returning to the mound. While the initial plan was to have the two-way superstar return to pitching in May, the Los Angeles Dodgers and manager Dave Roberts have seemingly backed off on that promise.
It's not all bad news though. Ohtani threw a 20 pitch bullpen session on Saturday and every pitch was a fastball. Although it was a short stint, it represented an important step in Ohtani's recovery as it was the first time he had thrown off a mound since Febraury 25th.
Ohtani has yet to pitch a game for the Dodgers and it has been more than 19 months since he pitched in a major league game. Still, Roberts remained non-committal.
«I think the question is how much do we need him right now and I think we've answered that. His health is paramount, most important. So whenever that time is and his buildup reaches its full maturation, he'll pitch for us.»
Even with Ohtani's absence, the Dodgers - who are also without Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, and Emmet Sheehan - boast one of the best rotations in baseball with Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamato, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, and Dustin May.
Even though he is not yet on the mound, Ohtani is still finding ways to contribute. Through five games this season he is hitting .333 with a .478 OBP with two home runs, two RBIs and eight runs scored.
Ohtani wants to pitch. The Dodgers want Ohtani. But neither wants to rush. It could be May or could be July. When that day comes, the Dodgers will be that much better.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 1 | 79 ANSWERS Ohtani's attempt to return to mound not looking good. Will Shohei Ohtani pitch this season? | ||
| Yes | 37 | 46.8 % |
| No | 42 | 53.2 % |
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