Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (31) postponed his live pitching schedule by a day due to the effects of being hit by a pitch the previous day.
Japanese media outlet Full Count reported on the 10th (Korea time) that "Ohtani will be the designated hitter in the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on the 10th. He received cheers from the crowd at Petco Park while warming up with a catch before the game."
Ohtani is a two-way player who has recorded a batting average of .282 with 953 hits in 3,375 at-bats, totaling 248 home runs, 606 RBIs, 628 runs, and 156 stolen bases in 939 games in Major League Baseball. He is generating excitement among fans as the first player to successfully combine pitching and hitting since Babe Ruth.
However, Ohtani underwent elbow surgery in September 2023 and has not pitched in a Major League game since August 24, 2023, against Cincinnati. According to the original plan, he should have returned to the mound earlier this year, but an injury to his left shoulder while stealing a base in Game 2 of the World Series last year led to surgery, delaying his pitching return program.
After his participation in the Tokyo Series in March was canceled, Ohtani's return to pitching appears to be slower than expected. This is due to the need to focus on regular season games, making it difficult to concentrate entirely on returning to pitching. A return during the first half of the season seems unlikely, with plans for him to pitch in the second half following the All-Star break.
As he is participating in regular season games, various variables have arisen. Ohtani was originally scheduled to conduct his third live pitching before the game on that day, but it was postponed due to the effects of being hit on the left ankle by a 87.7 mph (141.1 km/h) sweeper from Matt Swanson during an away game against the St. Louis Cardinals on the 9th. While it was not a significant injury, this is a precautionary measure to minimize Ohtani's risk of injury. Live pitching is expected to take place before the game on the 11th.
Instead of live pitching that day, Ohtani maintained his pitching feel by participating in catch and other activities. Full Count explained Ohtani's training that day by stating, "Ohtani appeared in a blue training top and white pants, running out near the left field fence. He practiced throwing a seamless white ball against the wall, and then started a game of catch."
Ohtani, slowly preparing for his return to pitching, initiated live pitching for the first time on the 26th of last month. It was his first actual pitching since August 24, 2023, against Cincinnati, after a span of 641 days. He conducted his second live pitching on the 1st, reaching a maximum speed of 97 mph (156.1 km/h), while also incorporating breaking pitches such as the sweeper and splitter.
Unable to pitch, Ohtani recorded a batting average of .311 with 197 hits in 636 at-bats, totaling 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 134 runs, and 59 stolen bases in 159 games last season, achieving the first 50-home run, 50-stolen base milestone in Major League history and winning his third league MVP award, all unanimously voted. This season, he has played 64 games with a batting average of .293, along with 23 home runs, 39 RBIs, 66 runs, and 11 stolen bases, boasting an OPS of 1.021. Fans are already excited to see what Ohtani will showcase upon his return as a pitcher, given his remarkable performance as a hitter.
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