Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has experienced another delay in his return to the mound. While the two-way phenom was working toward pitching again, lingering left knee and right bicep discomfort slowed down his throwing progression. The Dodgers are staying patient with his arm choosing not to hurry his recovery.
Step-by-step progress
Ohtani threw a short 20-pitch bullpen session on Friday to test his arm. Manager Dave Roberts commented on the quick session, saying, “I think it was like 20 pitches. I really don’t know what to make of it. I didn’t put eyes on it.”
Roberts added, “Obviously, I’ve got to talk to Shohei, talk to Mark and then we’ll make a decision for Sunday.”
Caution over speed
The team is focusing on safety over speed to protect Ohtani’s long-term health. Early delays were caused by knee irritation that placed extra strain on his upper body.
Reflecting on the careful approach, Ohtani explained through an interpreter, “Rather than rush the progression of this, I would rather make sure we’re headed in the right direction.”
Still hitting strong
Even though his pitching timeline remains on hold, Ohtani continues to play every day as the designated hitter. He remains a major force in the Dodgers’ lineup while the team waits for him to feel completely healthy on the mound.
