Dodgers News: Shohei Ohtani Impresses in Live BP as Return to Mound Inches Closer
"He was really good."
SAN DIEGO — Ahead of Tuesday night’s game in San Diego, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts offered a significant update on Shohei Ohtani’s progress as a pitcher. The two-way superstar threw a live bullpen session earlier in the day, and according to Roberts, the results were highly encouraging.
“He was really good,” Roberts said. “The fastball had life, the sweeper was really good.” Ohtani threw approximately 44 pitches over the course of three innings, facing two hitters from the Arizona Complex League. Roberts noted that those hitters said the ball was “really coming out well,” reinforcing what he and the staff saw firsthand.
While the Dodgers continue to keep timelines flexible, Roberts acknowledged that he’s starting to envision what a return to the mound could look like. “I am,” he said when asked whether he was beginning to see the shape of a plan. “And also, I think that it certainly doesn’t have to be a full buildup. Anything that he can give us is certainly going to be additive.” He emphasized that the final call will come from Ohtani, team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache, and the medical staff, saying, “I still stand by that he and Dr. ElAttrache and the training staff are going to drive this.”
The Dodgers are understandably being cautious, but the progress is unmistakable. Asked about the challenge of resisting the urge to accelerate Ohtani’s return — especially with the starting rotation depleted — Roberts admitted it isn’t easy. “It’s tempting,” he said. “I’m sure Shohei is tempted to kind of just rip the Band-Aid off and get into a big league game, but I think we’re doing a good job of trying to be patient.”
For fans hoping to see Ohtani pitch before the All-Star break, Roberts didn’t shut the door. “I would say that it’s definitely not nonzero,” he said with a grin. “So I mean, it’s north of zero.” Not sure whether or not Doc’s math checks out, but it looks like he’s saying there’s a chance.
Beyond Ohtani, Roberts noted that the overall pitching staff is slowly inching back toward full strength. Tyler Glasnow threw a bullpen session in Los Angeles, and Blake Snell threw in San Diego. “We’re encouraged,” Roberts said. “You can start to see us get to the other side. It’s stuff to look forward to.” Of the two, Glasnow appears closer to returning. “I think with what’s happened in the last week, Tyler’s ahead of Blake. I think that’s a fair assessment right now.”
As for Ohtani’s throwing sessions, they’ve become increasingly game-like. Roberts explained that Ohtani is working not just on pitch count and mechanics, but also on incorporating all the small competitive details: “He’s working on building up. He’s working on his pitch mix, the shape of his pitches, the effectiveness. Even today, he was going from the stretch, using the pitch clock, working in a slide step. These are things that are as gamelike as you can get.”
The team expects Ohtani’s next live session to come within the next week. “Six to eight days is kind of where we’re at,” Roberts said, adding that it might also be scheduled as a night session to better simulate game conditions.
Reporters also asked whether Ohtani’s recent lack of aggression on the basepaths could be tied to his resumed throwing routine. Roberts said, “I don’t know if it’s much of a coincidence — it is the truth — but I don’t know if there’s any correlation.” As for whether Ohtani has had to adjust his daily routine more broadly, Roberts said he hadn’t seen any major changes outside of increased intensity: “I think he’s doing a great job of managing it. I don’t know how much has changed outside of the intensity the last couple lives.”
The bottom line: Shohei Ohtani is getting closer. And while the Dodgers aren’t rushing his return to pitching, they are clearly preparing for it.
“We’re still being very careful,” Roberts said. “But I’m anxious for the next one.”
With the team in first place and key arms like Glasnow, Snell, and now Ohtani trending in the right direction, the light at the end of the tunnel is finally starting to shine.
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