Ohtani, after joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, is currently not pitching this season as he recovers from elbow surgery. However, his presence at the plate has been nothing short of impressive. Leading all of MLB in batting average at .336, Ohtani is just ahead of his Dodgers teammate and 2023 World Baseball Classic rival, Mookie Betts.
In a recent media interview, Ohtani shared that he is making progress in his rehabilitation. He mentioned that he has been throwing from a distance similar to the pitcher’s mound, although he has not yet elevated to throwing off an actual mound. Last week, Ohtani was throwing from about 60 feet, with his velocity reaching up to 80 miles per hour.
Ohtani expressed optimism about his rehab and stated that he believes the distance and number of pitches will gradually increase as he continues to progress. He emphasized the importance of taking things one step at a time and focusing on each stage of his recovery. Ohtani remains committed to following the proper steps in his rehabilitation process and is looking forward to returning to pitching when the time is right.
As for now, Ohtani’s focus remains on being a power hitter at the plate for the Dodgers. His performance so far this season has been nothing short of spectacular, earning him recognition as one of MLB’s top hitters. Despite not being able to pitch yet, Ohtani continues to make strides in his rehab process and remain hopeful for a return to pitching soon.
Overall, Ohtani’s impact on the Dodgers this season has been undeniable even without taking the mound. As he continues to recover from elbow surgery and work towards returning to pitching, fans eagerly anticipate seeing him back in action on the field once again.
