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Shohei Ohtani makes return to mound following elbow surgery

Shohei Ohtani makes return to mound following elbow surgery

August 25, 2024

As Shohei Ohtani has navigated a historic campaign in his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, his work to return to the mound hasn’t stopped.

Just one day after becoming only the sixth player to join the 40/40 club, Ohtani threw off a mound for the first time since undergoing elbow surgery in the off-season.

Throwing in the home bullpen at Dodger Stadium before Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays — and sporting a #MaxStrong shirt in support of teammate Freddie Freeman — Ohtani tossed 10 pitches, taking a significant step in his pitching rehab.

Ohtani has played catch throughout the season as he continues to rehab his pitching elbow.

Before being shut down from pitching by the Los Angeles Angels in 2023, the 30-year-old had delivered 132.0 innings with 167 strikeouts and a 3.14 ERA over 23 starts.

For his career, the two-time MVP owns a 3.01 ERA, 481.2 innings pitched and 608 strikeouts on the mound.

Of course, Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in the off-season, despite only being able to hit for the first year of the deal. But he has more than delivered at the plate in 2024, entering play Saturday as the frontrunner for NL MVP with a .292/.378/.614 slash line with 40 home runs, 92 RBIs, 29 doubles and 40 stolen bases.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2018, Shohei Ohtani has finally made his return to the mound for the Los Angeles Angels. The Japanese two-way star, known for his impressive pitching and hitting abilities, has been eagerly awaited by fans and teammates alike as he makes his comeback from a major elbow surgery.

Ohtani’s return to pitching comes after a lengthy rehabilitation process that included months of physical therapy and throwing programs to rebuild strength and flexibility in his elbow. The 26-year-old underwent the surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, a common procedure for pitchers that can take up to 12-18 months to fully recover from.

Despite the challenges of rehabilitating from such a serious injury, Ohtani has remained positive and determined throughout the process. His work ethic and dedication to his craft have been evident in his commitment to his recovery, and his return to the mound is a testament to his resilience and perseverance.

In his first start back on the mound, Ohtani showed flashes of his pre-surgery dominance, striking out five batters in just over four innings of work. While his velocity may not have been at its peak, his command and control were impressive, indicating that he is well on his way to regaining his form as one of the most exciting young pitchers in baseball.

Ohtani’s return to pitching is not only a boost for the Angels’ rotation but also a welcome sight for baseball fans who have missed seeing his unique talents on display. As a two-way player who can both pitch and hit at an elite level, Ohtani brings a rare combination of skills to the game that make him a truly special player to watch.

While there may still be some caution surrounding Ohtani’s workload and usage following his surgery, his successful return to the mound is a promising sign for his future in the game. With his talent and determination, there is no doubt that Ohtani will continue to be a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball for years to come.