What's wrong with Ohtani? Live pitching 44 pitches, 3 innings, 6K 96 miles back in the first half, no chance, Roberts

Jun 11, 2025

What's wrong with Ohtani? Live pitching 44 pitches, 3 innings, 6K 96 miles back in the first half, no chance, Roberts
LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani takes the mound at Petco Park on the 11th (Korea time) and pitches live. Photo = LA Dodgers' official X account



What's wrong with Ohtani? Live pitching 44 pitches, 3 innings, 6K 96 miles back in the first half, no chance, Roberts
Tani Shohei hits in the top of the first inning of the attack. AFP Yonhap News
LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani, who is stepping up his last pitching rehabilitation, may return to the big league mound in the first half.

Ohtani conducted his third live pitching (pitching for live batting practice).

Ohtani threw 44 pitches in three innings against the ACL Dodgers batters, the Dodgers rookie level, ahead of Game 2 of the three consecutive away games against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on the 11th (Korea time). He gave up one hit and one walk each, and struck out six.




Ohtani, who threw 2 innings-29 pitches in his second live pitching on the 30th of last month, threw more energy in his first live pitching on the 12th.

When Ohtani started pitching live by speeding up his pitching rehabilitation this season, it was expected that he would return as a pitcher after the All-Star break. However, it is expected that he will be able to return within the first half by playing live pitching three times easily.

Manager Dave Roberts said of Ohtani's return in the first half of the day, `It's not a zero chance. It's a tempting prospect. I'm sure Ohtani is tempted to end his rehabilitation period and take the big league mound. However, we have been patient with him and are proceeding well now" he said.




In order for a starting pitcher to play in the big league after rehabilitation, he usually has to come up to the stage where he can play 90 pitches in five to six innings.

What's wrong with Ohtani? Live pitching 44 pitches, 3 innings, 6K 96 miles back in the first half, no chance, Roberts
Otani hits an infield grounder in the third inning and runs to first base. AFP Yonhap News
Roberts said, `You don't have to complete the build-up and join. No matter what form it may be, it will help Ohtani to return to the mound. But I'm watching him closely from the side. Dr. Elatrice and the training staff are also working on their return. Let's wait for the next live pitching."

Ohtani is registered as a pitching double-player, so even if he returns as a pitcher, there is no need to consume a position on the pitcher's roster, which is limited to 13 players. In other words, there is no need to be reluctant to return early.




In addition, the Dodgers frequently play bullpen games as a large number of their main starters are on the injured list. It is time for bullpen pitchers to get tired, so Ohtani needs to start even one game as soon as possible.

Ohtani's fastball speed on the day was formed from 94 to 96 miles, which, along with pitching innings, is an important item for the Dodgers to decide when to return.

Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior "I threw 44 pitches today, and now it's going to be around 60-70." At that level, the starting pitcher is starting to imagine and dream about being able to play in the game," he said. "Then, he has the ability to play at least several innings in practice." This means that he is close to returning to the real game.

Ohtani originally planned to play live pitching on the 10th during the away season of St. Louis, but postponed it by one day after being hit by a pitch in the foot in the game on the 9th.

What's wrong with Ohtani? Live pitching 44 pitches, 3 innings, 6K 96 miles back in the first half, no chance, Roberts
Blake Snell is holding his first bullpen pitching since his injury at Petco Park on the 11th (Korea time). Photo = LA Dodgers' official X account
Meanwhile, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, who are on the IL, played their first bullpen pitching since their injuries.

Roberts said, `There's an aspect of having to pay attention to the players who are going smoothly in their rehabilitation, and on the other hand, there's an expectation that they'll come back and we'll be as a whole. It can be seen that we are entering a new phase in terms of power."





This article was translated by Naver AI translator.