Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese two-way phenom, has been the talk of the town ever since he joined the MLB last year. With his impressive skills on both the mound and at the plate, Ohtani quickly became a fan favorite. However, due to a season-ending Tommy John surgery last year, we haven’t been able to see Ohtani in his full glory as a two-way player. But when can we expect Ohtani to make a comeback as a pitcher as well as a hitter?
Last year, Ohtani wowed everyone with his slugging abilities, hitting an impressive .285 with 22 home runs and 61 RBIs in just 367 at-bats. However, due to his surgery, he missed out on the pitching aspect of the game. This year, Ohtani has been slowly making his way back to pitching, starting with bullpen sessions and simulated games. But the big question remains – when will we see Ohtani return as a two-way player?
The Los Angeles Dodgers fans, who were already in awe of Ohtani’s slugging abilities, were eagerly waiting for him to take the mound as well. However, their hopes were dashed when Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts recently gave an update on Ohtani’s progress, admitting that the team is facing a major disadvantage with Ohtani’s return as a two-way player. This statement was met with skepticism by fans, who were hoping to see Ohtani in action as soon as possible.
But before we jump to conclusions, let’s look at the bigger picture. Ohtani underwent a major surgery and has been out of action for almost a year. It would be unrealistic to expect him to return to the game as a two-way player immediately. The team and Ohtani himself need to be cautious and take things slow to ensure that he fully recovers and doesn’t suffer any setbacks.
Moreover, Ohtani’s situation is quite unique. Not many players in the history of the game have successfully played as a hitter and a pitcher simultaneously at the highest level. The pressure and workload on Ohtani are immense, and it’s understandable that the team wants to be careful with his return.
It’s also essential to consider Ohtani’s development as a player. He is still young, and there is no need to rush his return. The team wants to make sure he is fully ready and can contribute in both aspects of the game without any hindrance. As they say, good things come to those who wait, and the Dodgers’ fans will have to wait a bit longer to see Ohtani in his full two-way player form.
On the brighter side, Ohtani’s progress has been promising so far. He recently faced live hitters for the first time since his surgery, and it was a successful outing. He threw 33 pitches, and all of them were fastballs, reaching up to 95 mph. This is a significant milestone in his recovery, and it shows that he is on the right track.
The team is also taking a cautious approach towards Ohtani’s hitting as well. He has been taking part in batting practice and is gradually improving. The goal is to get him back in the lineup as a hitter first, and then slowly introduce him as a pitcher.
So, when can we expect Ohtani to return as a two-way player? While there is no definite timeline, it’s safe to say that it won’t be anytime soon. However, this should not dampen the spirits of the Dodgers’ fans or Ohtani’s fans in general. Ohtani’s talent and determination are undeniable, and we have no doubt that he will make a successful comeback as a two-way player when he is fully ready.
In conclusion, while the Dodgers’ fans may have to wait a bit longer to see Ohtani as a two-way player, it’s important to trust the process and be patient. Ohtani’s recovery is crucial, and it’s better to take things slow rather than rushing his return and risking any setbacks. Let’s continue to support Ohtani as he works towards his return and look forward to seeing him dominate the game once again as a two-way player. The wait will be worth it!