Shohei Ohtani Begins Throwing Progression: What's Next for the Dodgers' Two-Way Star?
The baseball world just collectively held its breath and exhaled a sigh of relief. Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has officially begun his throwing progression, marking a significant step towards his potential return to the mound. After a layoff exceeding two weeks and over a month since his last start, Ohtani was seen playing catch at Chase Field ahead of Saturday night's game against the D-backs.
This isn't just a casual throw; it's the first tangible sign of Ohtani's pitching comeback, a development that could send seismic waves through the National League as the Dodgers gear up for a deep postseason run.
Why Was Shohei Ohtani Not Pitching? Understanding His Injury Layoff
For weeks, fans have watched Ohtani continue to dominate at the plate as the Dodgers' designated hitter, seemingly unbothered. Yet, his incredible two-way prowess was halved. The reason? Lingering soreness in his left knee, an issue that's kept him off the bump since July 3rd. Before the shutdown, Ohtani was a force, boasting an impressive 8-2 record with a sparkling 1.79 ERA over 14 starts. A minor right biceps issue was also noted, though he maintained neither bothered him when swinging the bat.
His absence from pitching has been a strategic, cautious move by the Dodgers, prioritizing his long-term health and, crucially, his bat. But with the season's final stretch looming, getting their ace back on the mound, even in a limited capacity, could be a game-changer.
The Road Back to the Mound: Shohei Ohtani's Pitching Progression Unpacked
Ohtani's journey back to pitching isn't a sprint; it's a meticulously planned marathon. He started by throwing plyometric balls in the bullpen before transitioning to playing catch on the field, gradually extending his distance to around 90 feet.
According to those familiar with his previous rehab from elbow surgery, the path involves several distinct phases:
- Gradual Distance Increase: Continuing to stretch out catch play to greater distances.
- Long Toss: Advancing to full-blown long toss sessions.
- Bullpen Progression: A series of bullpen sessions to build arm strength and refine mechanics.
- Live Batters: Facing actual hitters in simulated game environments.
- Big League Return: Easing back into official games at the Major League level.
This process is critical, and rushing it could lead to further setbacks. "It’s getting pretty good day by day," Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. "Rather than rush the progression of this, I would rather make sure we’re headed in the right direction. But making sure we’re taking the right steps."
What Role Will Shohei Ohtani Play in the Dodgers' Postseason Pitching?
While the initial steps are promising, the timeline for Ohtani's full return to a starting role remains ambiguous. His previous elbow rehab took months for the bullpen progression alone, and the Dodgers simply don't have that luxury at this stage of the season. Ideally, the team would like to see him on the mound by early to mid-September to allow for sufficient build-up.
Given the time constraints and his history, the current expectation is that Ohtani would likely return as a multi-inning opener rather than a traditional full starter during the regular season and potentially into the postseason. This strategic usage would allow the Dodgers to leverage his high-impact innings without overtaxing his arm.
Manager Dave Roberts echoed this sentiment earlier in the week: "Any inning, any innings we get from him are bonuses, given he’s a two-way player. So I think whether it’s one inning, two innings, three innings, I’m not too concerned about the timeline.”
The Stakes for L.A.: Why Shohei Ohtani's Pitching Matters for the Dodgers' Playoff Hopes
For the Dodgers, Ohtani's pitching return isn't just a feel-good story; it's a significant strategic advantage. As they solidify their position atop the division and eye a deep playoff run, every quality arm matters. Adding Ohtani, even as an opener, provides an unparalleled boost, offering dominant, high-leverage innings that can stabilize a bullpen or set the tone for a game.
His ability to shut down opposing lineups, even for a few frames, changes the entire dynamic of a series. While his bat has been indispensable, unlocking his pitching potential for the final stretch and postseason could be the crucial piece that elevates the Dodgers from contenders to champions. This Saturday's catch play wasn't just a drill; it was the opening chapter of a potential playoff epic.
