Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star for the Los Angeles , is scheduled to pitch again on Monday as he continues his recovery following elbow surgery. In his upcoming sixth start, Ohtani is expected to pitch three innings against the Minnesota Twins before handing over pitching duties to Dustin May, according to manager Dave Roberts.
Ohtani last pitched three innings against San Francisco, allowing only one hit, issuing one walk, and throwing 36 pitches, maintaining an impressive ERA of 1.00 over nine innings this season. Roberts mentioned Ohtani will likely have a multi-inning relief partner for some starts, aiming for about four innings of pitching to maintain a typical game pace.
The are hopeful for a strong second half, aiming to lead the NL West and bolster their pitching staff, which has faced injuries. Ohtani participated in the All-Star Game in Atlanta, while teammate Sasaki, recovering from a shoulder injury, worked out during the break. Roberts expressed optimism about Sasaki’s progress, noting his pitching speed reaching 90 mph. Additionally, Blake Snell will start his third rehab assignment in Triple-A, aiming to pitch up to four innings.
Fan Take: Shohei Ohtani’s return to form is a game-changer not just for the but for baseball as a whole, showcasing the rare talent of excelling as both a pitcher and hitter. This story underscores the evolving nature of the sport, where versatility and recovery from injury can redefine player impact and team strategies.