Shohei Ohtani thrills Dodgers fans with viral pitching workout video
Shohei Ohtani, aged 30, who played a pivotal role in leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to the World Series championship last year, is poised to return as both a pitcher and a hitter.
The Japanese right-handed pitcher, who showcased his dual-threat capabilities throughout the majority of his initial six seasons in Major League Baseball, did not take the mound last year following surgery on his right elbow in 2023.
The Dodgers have generated excitement among their fanbase by sharing a brief video clip on social media, featuring Ohtani throwing off a mound on Monday, coinciding with the arrival of pitchers and catchers for pre-season training camp, ahead of the first official workouts scheduled for Tuesday.
Ohtani began his MLB career with the Los Angeles Angels, where he played for six seasons before signing a historic 10-year, $700 million free agent contract with the Dodgers in December 2023, marking the most lucrative deal in the history of U.S. sports.
His return as a two-way player adds another dimension to a talent that earned his third Most Valuable Player award in four seasons last year, exclusively as a designated hitter. He made history as the first player in MLB to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, finishing with 54 home runs, 59 stolen bases, and 130 runs batted in.
Although Ohtani was throwing off the mound six months ago, his rehabilitation was complicated by left shoulder surgery in November.
Earlier this month, he indicated that he was progressing well with his rehabilitation, having commenced an off-season throwing program in December and returning to batting practice as well.
While Ohtani is not anticipated to pitch during the Dodgers' opening regular-season games in Tokyo on March 18-19 against the Chicago Cubs, he is expected to take the mound for the team sometime in May.
It is noteworthy that Ohtani underwent Tommy John ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow during his rookie season in 2018.
SportsLigue
