Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is steadily making his way back to the pitcher's mound following a significant elbow surgery. Though his injury has limited his role as a pitcher, his impact on the field remains undiminished.
Ohtani's Recovery Progress
Ohtani's rehabilitation process has seen him diligently working on his throwing regimen. As of now, he is throwing from a distance of 150 feet at 85% intensity. This marks a crucial step in his recovery as he plans to increase his throwing sessions to five times a week. The Dodgers are optimistic about his progress, hoping he will start throwing off a mound by early September.
Manager Dave Roberts has stated that while Ohtani might face hitters in a batting practice or a simulated game to prepare for a potential postseason appearance, he will not be used in any pitching capacity this October. "When we have a guy for 10 years, I just don't see the upside. The risk-reward doesn't make sense," Roberts commented, emphasizing the importance of Ohtani's long-term health over immediate gains.
Potential Outfield Role
There has been considerable discussion about the possibility of Ohtani playing in the outfield later in the year. This move could potentially decrease the strain on his elbow while still allowing his exceptional skill set to benefit the team. For now, Ohtani will cease his throwing activities until the ramp-up for next spring after facing hitters.
Contract and Value
This offseason, Ohtani inked a groundbreaking 10-year contract worth $700 million, which includes an unprecedented amount of deferrals. These deferrals reduce the present value of the contract below the $700 million mark, making it a strategic financial move for both Ohtani and the Dodgers. The significant commitment underscores the Dodgers' belief in Ohtani’s talent and potential to contribute to the team's success for the next decade.
Season Performance
Despite his limited pitching role, Ohtani’s on-field contributions have been nothing short of elite. Sporting a batting average of .302, an on-base percentage of .390, and a slugging percentage of .618, he has proven his worth at the plate. Furthermore, with 34 home runs, 81 runs batted in, and 32 stolen bases this season, Ohtani has clearly demonstrated his multifaceted prowess in baseball.
His overall contributions are particularly impressive when measured by the Wins Above Replacement (WAR) metric, with Ohtani's season estimated to be worth 5.9 WAR. This showcases his significant impact on the team's success and highlights the importance of his presence in the Dodgers' lineup, both as a hitter and, in the future, as a pitcher.
As the season progresses, the Dodgers and their fans eagerly anticipate Ohtani’s return to full pitching capabilities. The careful management of his recovery demonstrates a prudent approach, aiming to safeguard their star player's health and maximize his potential contribution over the long term.
With Ohtani's relentless work ethic and the Dodgers' strategic planning, the baseball world watches as this extraordinary player marks each milestone on his road to recovery and prepares for a comeback that promises to electrify the sport once again.