Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani throws to live batters as progression toward pitching return continues
The Dodgers plan to slowly work Ohtani back, pitching one inning in his first few starts in hopes of having him ready to throw six innings by the postseason.
Shohei Ohtani took a significant step toward his potential return to pitching by facing a live batter on Saturday during a Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game at Dodger Stadium. Specifically, Ohtani faced catcher Will Smith, who was batting against him. This development also signaled that Smith was nearing a return from neck inflammation, which has kept him on the injured list since June 11.
Ohtani threw 30 pitches in the session and gave a thumbs-up afterward, according to the Associated Press. The extent of his recovery will determine if he throws again against live batters. However, the plan is for him to resume this practice next week. Ohtani's progress includes overcoming a left knee issue that sidelined him before the MLB All-Star break, which led to his removal from the Dodgers' starting rotation about a month ago.
The Dodgers aim to gradually build Ohtani's workload to prepare him for postseason play, with him likely starting and pitching one inning in early games before increasing his time on the mound. Despite the team's injury challenges, the rotation is bolstered by pitchers such as Tarik Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, and recently returned Blake Snell.
Tyler Glasnow is also expected to start next, followed by Justin Wrobleski and Edwin Díaz, who are anticipated to return in early September.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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