Shohei Ohtani (31) of the Los Angeles Dodgers will take the mound for his second live pitching session.
Japanese media Sports Hochi reported on the 29th (Korean time) that "Ohtani will make his second appearance in a live game ahead of the home game against the Yankees."
Ohtani is a two-way superstar who has recorded 38 wins and 19 losses with an earned run average of 3.01 in 86 games (481⅔ innings) as a pitcher. He won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2018 and was unanimously awarded the American League MVP in 2021 and 2023, as well as the National League MVP in 2024.
Ohtani, who won the MVP award in 2021 and 2023 for his two-way performance, is unable to pitch after undergoing elbow surgery in September 2023. Last season, he recorded a batting average of .310 over 159 games (636 at-bats, 197 hits), with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 134 runs scored, and 59 stolen bases, achieving the first 50-home run-50-stolen base season in Major League history, and won the league MVP unanimously despite not pitching.
While Ohtani has proven that he is one of the best players in Major League Baseball even without pitching, many fans are still waiting for him to return to the mound. He was initially expected to return as a pitcher early this season, but his timeline was pushed back after he suffered an injury while attempting to steal a base during Game 2 of last year's World Series, leading to shoulder surgery.
Ohtani, who has entered the final stage of his return as a pitcher, completed his first live pitching session before the Mets' away game on the 26th. Pitching against Kim Hye-seong, Dalton Rushing, and Coach J.T. Watkins, Ohtani threw a total of 22 pitches, recording 1 inning, 1 hit allowed, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts. His top speed reached 97 miles per hour (156.1 km/h).
The Dodgers will host a three-game home series against the Yankees starting on the 31st at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani is expected to partake in his second live pitching session during this period. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated, "Ohtani is expected to face hitters again this weekend. It's still unknown whether it will be Saturday (June 1) or Sunday (June 2)."
Ohtani noted that while he could have increased his speed more rapidly after completing his last live pitching session, he did not push himself too hard. As his speed has already reached 97 miles per hour, he is expected to have no issues with his performance when returning in the later part of the season.
Ohtani, who is currently recording a batting average of .296 over 53 games (213 at-bats, 63 hits), with 20 home runs, 35 RBIs, 59 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases, has been leading both leagues in home runs and is targeting his third consecutive MVP award. If he returns as a pitcher and performs well, Ohtani's MVP win this year would be virtually assured. Fans have high expectations for how Ohtani will perform in his second live pitching session as his pitching return approaches.
[OSEN]