I saw Roberts as a fan. Coach Roberts will take the mound once a week, impressed by the returning pitching genius Next, 2 innings against Washington
Jun 17, 2025
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The Dodgers invested $700 million in FA Ohtani for 10 years in December 2023 because they expected both pitchers and batters to perform. Of course, he won the MVP award last year by setting a milestone of 50 home runs and 50 steals, and was evaluated as paying a certain amount of money just for hitters, but he cannot guarantee such a performance every year. It should be considered that it suits the astronomical amount of $700 million when he also plays the role of an ace as a pitcher. This is the sea where Ohtani himself 'greed'
After Tommy John Surgery and shoulder surgery, Ohtani took the mound for the first time in a year and 10 months. Ohtani started the home game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on the 17th (Korea time) and pitched one inning.
He gave up two hits and allowed one run against five batters. The number of pitches was 28, with four games over six pitches, including a full count, but it was a powerful pitching.
The four-seam fastball, which threw nine, hit a maximum of 100.2 miles and an average of 99.1 miles. Ohtani had a maximum fastball velocity of 101.2 miles and an average of 96.8 miles before his elbow injury when he was with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023. In other words, he returned with the same speed as before the surgery.
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Ohtani, who successfully returned to the pitcher, should increase the number of pitches and innings in the future to get back on track as a starter. He is well aware of this himself.
After the race, Ohtani said "Today's speed was up to 100 miles, and I wanted to know how he reacted to his physical condition immediately afterwards"I think I'll take the mound once a week from now on. I wish I could throw a longer inning to relieve the burden on the bullpen" he said.
Ohtani, who threw 28 pitches on the day, is expected to be able to throw around 40 pitches and 3 innings in his next appearance. Considering that he needs to take the mound for the next three more games to reach the 70th and 80th pitches, he is expected to be able to play more than five innings only at the end of the first half.
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In any case, it is meaningful that Ohtani will double as a pitcher and batter for more than half of the pennant race in his second season after moving to the Dodgers. As he has regained his 100-mile fastball, he is expected to increase his strikeouts, which he failed to score on the day, along with his trademark sweepers and splitters.
Ohtani became the first player in history to achieve both the 2022 regulation at-bats and the regulation innings at the same time, and he had triple-digit strikeouts every year from 2021 to 2023.
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Ohtani cannot be satisfied with the overall pitching result. However, today's biggest achievement is that I felt that I could take the next mound. "
Manager Dave Roberts said, `I watched Otani come to the dugout from the bullpen (after warming up), and I watched half of the innings with fanboying. It was very good pitching. I allowed one run, but the ball was really good. I didn't expect 100 miles, but I think the atmosphere of the game made Ohtani aware that he had to use more strength"I'll pitch once a week, but I'll keep increasing the pitch." We've limited 30 pitches today, and we'll be able to throw two innings next time."
Ohtani's next appearance is expected to be at home against the Washington Nationals on the 23rd.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
