Shohei Ohtani has been impressing both on the field and in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. While he continues to excel as one of the most productive hitters in the majors, he has also been making strides in his journey back to the mound. Ohtani recently shared that he started throwing from 60 feet last week and reached 80 mph, showing significant progress in his rehab process.
The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar mentioned that he has been gradually increasing the distance of his throws, typically ranging from 60-70 pitches at a time. Ohtani emphasized the importance of steadily expanding both the distance and number of pitches to gauge his progress accurately. He remains uncertain about the extent of his return to pitching but is focused on the consistent progression in his recovery journey.
Despite being limited to hitting only this season, Shohei Ohtani has been showcasing his prowess at the plate. Leading the majors in batting average and total bases, Ohtani has been on track to deliver the best offensive performance of his major league career. At 29 years old, he has been setting impressive records in slugging percentage, OPS, and OPS+ in the National League, solidifying his position as a top hitter in the league.
Recently, Ohtani has been managing a hamstring contusion resulting from a pickoff throw incident. While the injury has impacted his running, he has remained resilient at the plate, maintaining his stellar performance as the Dodgers’ designated hitter. Although advised not to strain his hamstring, Ohtani’s determination to contribute to his team has been evident as he navigates through the challenges posed by the injury.
As Shohei Ohtani continues his recovery journey from Tommy John surgery, his progress on the mound and dominance at the plate reflect his unwavering commitment to both aspects of his game. With a focus on gradual improvement and consistent effort, Ohtani’s return to pitching remains a beacon of hope for the Dodgers and his fans. As he navigates through obstacles like his recent injury, Ohtani’s resilience and dedication shine through, propelling him forward in his quest for excellence in both hitting and pitching.