The anticipation surrounding the return of Dodgers' two-way star Shohei Ohtani to the mound is palpable, and for good reason. After a layoff of over two weeks due to a left knee injury, Ohtani has resumed playing catch, marking a significant step towards his regular-season return to pitching. This development comes as a relief to fans and analysts alike, who have been eagerly awaiting his comeback after a successful start to the season.
Ohtani's throwing progression began with plyos in the visitors' bullpen, followed by catch on the field, with throws extending to around 90 feet. This marks the first time he has been seen throwing since a July 22 bullpen session in Philadelphia, which was abruptly halted due to a left knee injury. Since then, Ohtani has been serving as the Dodgers' designated hitter, showcasing his ability to maintain performance at the plate despite the knee issue and a minor right biceps problem.
The road to Ohtani's return to pitching is a carefully planned journey. He will need several days to stretch out his catch play by throwing to greater distances, followed by long toss and a bullpen progression. After that, he will face live hitters before easing back into games at the big league level, similar to his successful return last season. However, the timeline for this process remains uncertain.
When Ohtani was rehabbing from a second major elbow surgery last year, the bullpen progression alone took months, but he threw only three live sessions before pitching in a game. The Dodgers don't have months remaining at this point in the season, making it crucial for Ohtani to get on the mound in early to mid-September to build up his arm adequately.
The Dodgers' strategy for Ohtani's return is intriguing. Depending on his progress, he is likely to be used as a multi-inning opener rather than a full starter upon his return during the regular season. This approach could also be applicable during the postseason, where every inning from a two-way player like Ohtani is a bonus.
Manager Dave Roberts emphasizes the value of Ohtani's contributions, regardless of the inning. This approach reflects the team's understanding of Ohtani's unique abilities and the strategic importance of his involvement in both hitting and pitching roles.
In conclusion, Ohtani's resumption of playing catch is a significant milestone in his journey back to the mound. While the timeline for his return remains uncertain, the Dodgers' strategic approach to his rehabilitation and utilization suggests a thoughtful and calculated path towards his full recovery and contribution to the team's success.
