Home / Sports / Ohtani Nears Pitching Return After Knee Injury
Ohtani Nears Pitching Return After Knee Injury
26 Aug
Summary
- Ohtani is preparing to throw to hitters or in another bullpen session.
- He has been a designated hitter for a month due to a recurring knee injury.
- Tyler Glasnow and Will Smith are also returning to the mound and rehab.
Shohei Ohtani is nearing a return to the pitcher's mound. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that Ohtani will throw to hitters or engage in another bullpen session in the coming days. A pitching appearance as early as Sunday against the Detroit Tigers is being considered.
Ohtani has been limited to his designated hitter role for the past month due to a persistent knee injury. This injury previously caused him to miss the All-Star Game and has been managed carefully by the team.
The Dodgers' primary goal is to have Ohtani pitching effectively by the postseason. While his offensive contributions remain significant, with 30 home runs and 80 RBI, the team prioritizes his arm health for October.
His initial pitching outing will be limited to one inning, with the hope of building up to at least five innings by the playoffs. This strategy aims to keep his bat in the lineup while preparing him for mound duties.
In related news, pitcher Tyler Glasnow is set to return tonight after a three-month layoff due to back issues. Catcher Will Smith is also beginning a rehab assignment, providing a much-needed boost to the Dodgers' roster.
