“We need to find the right timing to put it in the best possible condition,” said Friedman, head of programming.
[MLB]Dodgers vs Rockies (21st Japan time, Los Angeles)
On the 20th (21st Japan time), it was revealed that Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers may be the opening pitcher next spring. Regarding the possibility of him pitching in the opening game against the Cubs at the Tokyo Dome in March of next year, General Manager of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman spoke positively, saying, “Ideally, yes. We have to find the timing so that we can get him in the best condition.”
Otani, who underwent surgery on his right elbow ligament in September last year, began his pitching program in late March. He gradually increased the distance he threw by playing catch, and in late August, he pitched in the bullpen for the first time. On the 18th (19th in Japan), in his seventh bullpen session since the surgery, he threw 30 pitches, the most ever. According to a team source, he recorded a top speed of 93 mph (about 150 km/h).
He is expected to resume pitching in games against batters at the end of September. His pitching preparations are going well, but Friedman, the team’s general manager, is not keen on him returning to pitching in the postseason in October. He plans to proceed with his rehabilitation in the offseason with caution.
“He’s just started his rehabilitation. We’ll do it the same way (the offseason) – we’ll get him on the mound against batters, and then we’ll give him a shutdown period to get him ready for 2025. It’s just a question of timing. We’ll have to discuss it as a group and make a decision.”
On the previous day, the 19th (20th in Japan), he had an extraordinary performance with 6 hits and 10 RBIs, including 3 home runs. He now has an unprecedented 51 home runs and 51 stolen bases. Friedman, the head of the organization, praised him highly, saying, “It was a remarkable performance. It could be said to be the best game in history. And he has qualified for the playoffs for the first time… This season is special.” However, what he wants from next season onwards is to continue playing as a two-way player for a long time.
“We need to make sure that he can maintain his health and strength for many years to come after the surgery. What that will look like is unclear at this stage, but ideally, the answer would be yes.”
“He’s one of the most talented pitchers in the world. And he’s one of the most talented hitters in the world. So for our fans to be able to see that two-way guy in action on a daily basis is really special. And I think that’s going to help us win a lot of games.”
We will pave the way for two-way player Ohtani’s complete recovery.
