Dodgers Refuse to Rush Shohei Ohtani Back to Mound
The Los Angeles Dodgers remain uncertain about when Shohei Ohtani will return to the mound, with manager Dave Roberts stating that next week is too early for the star player's comeback.
Ohtani participated in a bullpen session on Wednesday, July 22 in Philadelphia, and is scheduled for another session on Saturday, July 25 in New York. These sessions could be seen as a step forward in his recovery, but the team is taking a cautious approach with his workload in the second half of the season.
The two-way star was pulled from his scheduled start before the MLB All-Star break due to inflammation and irritation in his left knee. Roberts emphasized that Ohtani's return is not about meeting a specific deadline, but rather about being ready for the playoffs in October.
"We've already taken a lot of time to get him back to full health, so we're not going to start earlier than we need to," Roberts said. The Dodgers are prioritizing Ohtani's long-term health over any short-term gains, a decision that may frustrate fans but is a testament to the team's commitment to their star player's well-being.
Ohtani had initially been scheduled to start on Wednesday but the organization then decided against it. The injection of lubricant into his knee earlier this season was intended to provide relief, but it did not involve draining the knee.
The Dodgers are not expecting Ohtani to throw 100 pitches whenever he does make his return to the mound. This indicates that the team is planning to gradually ease him back into action, rather than throwing him into a high-pressure situation.
Roberts' comments suggest that the Dodgers are taking a conservative approach to Ohtani's recovery, one that prioritizes his health over any short-term gains. This decision may impact the team's playoff chances, but it is a risk worth taking to ensure Ohtani's long-term success.
Ohtani is scheduled to participate in another bullpen session on Saturday, July 25 in New York, marking another step in his recovery process. The Dodgers will continue to monitor his progress and make decisions based on his health, rather than any specific deadline or schedule.
Source: Yahoo Sports