Yardbarker
x
Dodgers manager offers major update on Shohei Ohtani
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after a walk in the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Ryan Sun-Imagn Images

Dodgers manager offers major update on Shohei Ohtani

It has been over a year since Shohei Ohtani last operated as a two-way player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but it sounds like he is on the verge of returning to that role.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Sunday that Ohtani is planning to throw another live batting practice session at some point this week. When asked if that could be the last live BP session for Ohtani before he pitches in an MLB game again, Roberts said, "potentially."

"He's getting very eager. He's getting very excited. I think there's a point where the effort that it takes to throw lives and things like that (rather) than to play a game, then let's use those bullets in a game," Roberts said. "So, he's getting very excited.

"The thought is anything he can give us — and I've said this before — is additive, given where we're at right now. Whether it's an inning or two innings on the front end of an outing, that's positive. That's additive without a cost, so that's kind of where our heads are at right now."

Ohtani underwent surgery in September 2023 to repair a torn UCL in his pitching elbow. He also had Tommy John surgery after his rookie season with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018. The 30-year-old Ohtani began facing live hitters again last month.

When Roberts said anything Ohtani can give the Dodgers is "additive," he was referring to the fact that Ohtani has continued to anchor L.A.'s lineup as one of the best hitters in baseball. The four-time All-Star entered Sunday batting .290 with 25 home runs, 41 RBI and a 1.023 OPS.

The Dodgers are 42-29 and in first place in the NL West. They will likely bring Ohtani along slowly as a pitcher when he makes his return.

Steve DelVecchio

Steve is a veteran writer who has covered a variety of sports and pop culture topics for more than 15 years. In addition to Yardbarker, his work has been featured on prominent digital publications including Larry Brown Sports, MSN and FOX Sports. The UConn graduate has published more than 40,000 stories and is one of the most experienced trending news writers in the country

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!