The Los Angeles Dodgers saw Shohei Ohtani win MVP without throwing a single pitch last season. He is expected to return and manager Dave Roberts gave an update on his recovery.
Robert spoke to reporters about the Dodgers upcoming season and gave a positive update about Ohtani’s return to the mound, according to FOX Sports.
“He looks really strong,” Roberts told FOX.
Ohtani put together one of the greatest offensive seasons in league history. He started the 50-50 club as he became the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bags. However, now the Dodgers can see the full potential of the player they signed last winter. Ohtani underwent elbow surgery in September 2023 and did not pitch in 2024. However, he underwent shoulder surgery after dislocating his shoulder in the World Series. Roberts noted that fans could see Ohtani pitch in May but he will not pitch the opening series in Japan.
Ohtani also reiterated that his recovery is going well. Although he did not disclose an exact date he would return to the mound, according to FOX Sports.
“As of now, it seems like I’m on schedule,” Ohtani told reporters through a translator. “I’ve been able to work out every day and I’m really looking forward to being on time for spring training and the season.”
Ohtani last pitched in August 2023. He has a 3.01 career ERA and finished fourth in American League Cy Young Award voting in 2022. He has struck out 608 batters in his career and will join a rotation that already features Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Rōki Sasaki.
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