Class, who makes even rehabilitation history, returns to the big leagues without taking the mound as an unprecedented rehabilitation case for Ohtani

Feb 16, 2025

Class, who makes even rehabilitation history, returns to the big leagues without taking the mound as an unprecedented rehabilitation case for Ohtani
LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani is taking a break after finishing bullpen pitching on the 16th (Korea time). AFP Yonhap News



LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani held his first bullpen pitching at Glendale Camelback Ranch in Arizona on the 16th (Korea time).

It's been 17 months since I had Tommy John Surgery on my right elbow in September 2023. Ohtani sat catcher Will Smith down and threw 14 pitches. He used only four-seam and two-seam fastballs, but his speed was reported to have been 92-94 miles. Ohtani's bullpen session draws attention because there is no precedent for a batter to rehabilitate as a pitcher while preparing for the season normally after elbow or shoulder surgery.

After receiving his first Tommy John Surgery on October 1, 2018, his first season with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani did not throw as a pitcher the following year, but only played as a batter. However, he did not play since the opening game. On May 8, he made his comeback against the Detroit Tigers. In other words, he went through seven months of rehabilitation as a batter.




And as a pitcher, he returned in 2020. The COVID pandemic opened the season in July, and Ohtani returned to the mound on July 27 against the Oakland Athletics. However, after allowing five walks and two runs in one ⅔ inning against the Houston Astros on August 3, he ended the season as a pitcher again complaining of arm pain.

It's gone through a very different process than it is now.

Class, who makes even rehabilitation history, returns to the big leagues without taking the mound as an unprecedented rehabilitation case for Ohtani
Tani Shohei is warming up ahead of the bullpen pitching. AFP Yonhap News
Class, who makes even rehabilitation history, returns to the big leagues without taking the mound as an unprecedented rehabilitation case for Ohtani
LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani talks with manager Dave Roberts after the bullpen pitching. AP Yonhap News
ESPN reported on Ohtani's bullpen pitching on the day 'Dave Roberts said it was very feasible for Ohtani to face batters at some point in March'The subsequent rehabilitation process is unprecedented and requires creativity. Ohtani should be a key member of the Dodgers lineup during the final stages of his rehabilitation in April. 'This is an important situation that even Ohtani, who is the first double-hitting player since Babe Ruth, has never experienced it.'

What does this mean.

Ohtani will play as the designated hitter from the opening series against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19. And if you cross back to the United States, you will enter a full-fledged pennant race from March 28. At the beginning of April, pitching rehabilitation is entering the actual stage.

Usually, pitchers who have suffered surgery or major injuries take the mound in minor league games and return to the Major League after undergoing a final rehabilitation check. But Ohtani can't go to the minor leagues. This is because he has to lead the Dodgers' lineup as a batter. This is why ESPN called it unprecedented pitching rehabilitation.




Class, who makes even rehabilitation history, returns to the big leagues without taking the mound as an unprecedented rehabilitation case for Ohtani
Shohei Otani performed bullpen pitching 17 months after undergoing elbow surgery in September 2023. AP Yonhap News
Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior told ESPN, `It's a very unique rehabilitation situation, but it's something we need to do immediately. Ohtani already had a pitching rehabilitation last year while batting. It was pretty smooth, at least on the batter's side. This rehabilitation could also be of that kind. The good thing is that Ohtani is really dedicated to his skills and really meticulous about what he does. He communicates very well about what it takes to prepare, so we have to respond and adapt quickly."

In other words, Ohtani will take the mound every five to six days in simulation games rather than minor league games from the end of March to April to boost his sense of pitching in practice. In this case, the level of hitters Ohtani will face could be a problem, but Coach Prior said "If Ohtani enters the actual stage, we can't control the situation. Ultimately, the principle behind all this is to make sure he's 100% ready, and that the game should be similar to the actual level."

The batters to be used in the simulation game can be nearby minor league players at home games and bench members at away games, and even this can vary depending on the situation.



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.