Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Faces Live Batters First Time Since 2023 Elbow Surgery

Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way star Shohei Ohtani made a significant milestone in his recovery by facing live hitters for the first time since his right elbow surgery in September 2023. During a simulated inning at Citi Field, Ohtani threw 22 pitches, reaching speeds up to 97 mph, and recorded two strikeouts alongside a walk and a line drive allowed. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior and manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Ohtani's progress, highlighting his electric stuff and potential as a top-end starter once fully recovered. The Dodgers have adopted a cautious approach to his rehab, foregoing a minor league assignment and keeping him with the major league team to contribute as a hitter while gradually building his pitching stamina. With several starters injured, Ohtani's eventual return to the rotation is seen as a critical boost to the Dodgers ahead of their ongoing series against the Mets. However, no specific timeline for his full return has been projected yet, as the team focuses on steadily increasing his pitching workload and breaking pitches.