For years, the Los Angeles could only dream of seeing Shohei Ohtani pitch in their uniform, facing major league hitters from the mound. This two-way star’s journey in Los Angeles has been long and filled with new challenges, but now it’s finally becoming a reality. manager Dave Roberts shared his excitement, noting how different it was to see Ohtani pitching instead of just batting.
On a Sunday at Citi Field, Ohtani faced major league hitters for the first time since his elbow surgery in September 2023. If he was nervous, no one could tell, as his trademark calm demeanor shone through. The first batter he faced was infielder Heisen Kim, followed by catcher Dalton Rushing and JT Watkins. Over 22 pitches, Ohtani showcased his varied arsenal, including fastballs, sinkers, cutters, sweepers, and splitters, reaching speeds up to 97 mph. pitching coach Mark Pryor praised Ohtani’s challenging pitches, especially his toughest ones thrown to Watkins.
During the session, Ohtani’s lighthearted personality was on full display, entertaining teammates and the crowd alike. Pryor emphasized the importance of maintaining Ohtani’s upbeat mood as he returns to pitching after major surgery. On the other side, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, outfielder Jesse Winker, and pitcher Griffin Canning witnessed Ohtani’s impressive offensive skills as well, including a towering 18th home run of the season.
Dubbed “SHO-Time” at Citi Field, this event was a major highlight. Roberts expressed high expectations for Ohtani, calling him a top-tier starter if fully healthy. This was Ohtani’s first live batting practice as a pitcher for the , with the team hoping to have him in the rotation after the All-Star break. However, how to manage this unique two-way player moving forward remains uncertain, given his recent surgeries and demanding schedule.
The plan for Ohtani to throw some bullpen sessions soon and possibly another live batting practice, contingent on his physical condition. They rely heavily on his feedback to gauge workload on both pitching and hitting fronts. Pryor stressed the need for flexibility to balance his dual roles and physical limits.
Ohtani’s leap from bullpen throws to facing hitters again marks a significant milestone after his second elbow surgery and a $700 million contract with the . Last season, he earned the National League MVP and helped the win the World Series. Now, the team hopes he can continue his two-way dominance in Los Angeles, though managing his workload will be crucial.
The trust Ohtani’s ability to handle the pressure and physical demands. “Increasing innings and facing batters requires mindful attention to his capacity,” said Pryor. It will be fascinating to watch how Ohtani balances this unique role moving forward.
[Credit: Deesha Thosar, Fox Sports]
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Fan Take: Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound is a thrilling moment for baseball fans, showcasing the rare dual-threat talent in MLB. His successful comeback could redefine how teams manage two-way players, potentially shaping the future of the sport.
