Shohei Ohtani Update: New Plan After First Time Pitching To Hitters Since 2023

After waiting for more than a season to see Shohei Ohtani pitch on the mound, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ reward for their patience is creeping ever closer by the day.

Ohtani’s live throwing session was pushed back a day to Sunday as a precaution because of the 13-inning game between the Dodgers and New York Mets in the series opener at Citi Field.

It was a significant step to check off the to-do list for Ohtani, and a major step toward his eventual return to the rotation this season. Not only by throwing against hitters, but also incorporating all of his pitches, including a curveball and slider that he only recently began throwing in bullpen sessions.

Additionally, Ohtani’s fastball velocity sat between 94-97, another encouraging sign as he works his way back from a second career Tommy John surgery.

Prior to this latest development, Ohtani had been on a schedule of throwing a light bullpen session every Wednesday and more comprehensive work off the mound on Saturdays.

Ohtani said live batting practice sessions are now going to be the latest addition to his weekly routine, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:

“I’m going to do live BPs once a week moving forward,” he said. “On the road, I’m sure it’s going to be a little bit difficult to get quality hitters to stand in at times, but at home I should be able to get good minor-league hitters to stand in.”

On Sunday, Ohtani faced off against Hyeseong Kim, Dalton Rushing and game planning coach J.T. Watkins. It is likely a preview of the improvisation the Dodgers will need on the road to complete Ohtani’s sessions. But at Dodger Stadium, they won’t need to rely on members of the coaching staff.

It’s actually quite commonplace for the organization to call upon their prospects to help out with such settings at home. Around this time last season, the Dodgers had 2023 first-round pick Kendall George visit Dodger Stadium to take live at-bats against Clayton Kershaw during his rehab process.

Results of Shohei Ohtani’s first time facing batters

Ohtani threw 22 pitches, recording two strikeouts and walking a batter while allowing only one hit to Kim. His one walk came against Watkins, who celebrated the feat appropriately with a bat flip.