Shohei Ohtani’s potential return to pitching has sparked excitement among Los Angeles Dodgers fans. Prior to the game against the Atlanta Braves on Friday, he engaged in long tossing in the outfield, signaling progress in his rehabilitation journey.
Could he pitch in the postseason? It’s a possibility that manager Dave Roberts acknowledges. “Anything is possible,” he stated. “I hope that’s on his mind as far as motivation for his rehab. The odds of it happening are slim, but they’re not zero.”
Ohtani has been sidelined from pitching this season, his first with the Dodgers, due to elbow surgery. Despite this setback, he is having a remarkable year as the designated hitter. He aims to be the first player in Major League Baseball history to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
Heading into the first game of a four-game series in Atlanta, Ohtani had already amassed 47 home runs and 48 stolen bases. With 16 games remaining in the regular season, he is on track to surpass 50 in both categories.
In Other Injury Updates
In light of recent developments, manager Roberts expressed concern over the team’s injury situation. “Obviously, it’s a setback,” he said. “I don’t know what that means for the coming days. We will reassess and see how it feels over the next few days before determining when we can pick up the ball again.”
The Dodgers are particularly worried about Tyler Glasnow’s ability to pitch again this season, which would further complicate an already injury-plagued rotation. “It’s certainly not helpful or positive,” Roberts added, highlighting the challenges the team faces as they strive to make a postseason impact.
