The Los Angeles Dodgers are eagerly awaiting the return of their star player, Shohei Ohtani, who is inching closer to a comeback after a lengthy absence due to injury. Ohtani, a two-way talent, has been a key figure for the team, but his journey back to the mound has been fraught with setbacks and careful management.
Ohtani's latest development is a bullpen session, a crucial step in his rehabilitation process. This session marks a significant milestone, as it's his first in 23 days, indicating a gradual but steady progression towards his return to the pitcher's mound. The Dodgers' front office, including General Manager Brandon Gomes and President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, has been closely monitoring Ohtani's recovery, emphasizing the importance of taking things one step at a time.
The road to Ohtani's return has been challenging. Initially, he attempted to pitch through discomfort, undergoing a lubricant injection in his left knee during the All-Star break. However, this led to a setback, causing him to regress in his knee and biceps. The team had to dial things back, and Ohtani's last appearance on the field was in the outfield, where he played catch and threw a few times. Since then, he has been gradually increasing his throwing intensity, a process that requires patience and careful monitoring.
Gomes acknowledges the delicate balance between pushing Ohtani to return and ensuring his knee is manageable. Ohtani himself has expressed a desire to take things step by step, prioritizing the right direction over rushing the process. The plan is to have Ohtani face hitters and then gradually build up his pitching in big-league games, similar to his successful return from a second major elbow surgery last summer.
The Dodgers' strategy is to utilize Ohtani as an opener, allowing him to build up his pitching without exceeding the pitcher limit. This approach provides flexibility and ensures he can contribute effectively as the season progresses. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani's potential contributions, emphasizing the need to assess his performance as he returns.
While Ohtani's bullpen session is a positive sign, the team is also focusing on other reinforcements. Will Smith, who has been on the injured list with an inflamed disc in his neck, is making steady progress and is expected to return sooner rather than later. Additionally, Dalton Rushing, who suffered a damaged ulnar collateral ligament, is showing promising signs of recovery and is likely to return as a left-handed hitter off the bench rather than as a catcher.
In summary, the Dodgers are cautiously optimistic about Ohtani's return, recognizing the importance of a gradual and careful approach. With a focus on managing his knee and building up his pitching, Ohtani's comeback story continues to unfold, providing a glimmer of hope for the team's playoff aspirations.
