Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani is still a long way from returning to the mound, despite his impressive hitting statistics this season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shut down any notion of Ohtani returning to the rotation next week, saying "I feel very good that it won't be next week." Ohtani has been sidelined since July 3 due to left knee irritation.
Ohtani's knee doesn't bother him while hitting, so he's remained a fixture atop the Dodgers' batting order. This season he's batting .286 with 22 home runs, 61 RBI and a .920 OPS.
The four-time MVP threw roughly 30 pitches off a mound Wednesday and is expected to throw another bullpen session on Saturday, according to the Associated Press.
As a pitcher, Ohtani is 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP over 14 starts. However, his return to the mound remains uncertain.
The Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Ohtani's recovery, prioritizing his health over a specific return date. Roberts emphasized that Ohtani understands the importance of getting back to full health before returning to the rotation.
Ohtani's dual role as a pitcher and hitter makes him a valuable asset to the Dodgers. His hitting statistics this season are among the best in the league, and his return to the mound could be a significant boost to the team's chances.
The Dodgers will continue to monitor Ohtani's progress and make a decision on his return to the mound based on his health. For now, fans will have to wait and see when Ohtani will take the mound again.
Ohtani's return is not just about the Dodgers' chances in the short term, but also about his long-term health and well-being. The team's cautious approach may delay his return, but it's a necessary step to ensure he's back to full strength by October.
Source: Yahoo Sports