Shohei Ohtani's latest bullpen practice shot increased to 50 balls

Shohei Ohtani continued to increase his pitching intensity, completing a 50-ball bullpen practice pitch at Dodger Stadium today. This time, the training volume is significantly higher than the previous week's 35 balls, and the inter-inning break pattern is simulated: 25 pitches first, then 25 pitches after a 5-7 minute break. It's unclear if Ohtani has started mixing variations, but as of his previous practice, he has focused on four-seam speedballs, two-seam speedballs, and knuckle balls.

The timeline for Ohtani's return to Major League Pitcher Hill remains unclear, but the most likely scenario remains after the star break. Despite the recent injury problems in the Dodgers' starting rotation — Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki — all on the injury list, coach Dave Roberts is emphasizing patience and the availability of major valleys in the September sprint and playoffs.

"I'm trying to restrain anticipation because we're on track," Roberts said last week, "but seeing his pitching talent, it's hard to imagine him helping right away." But we have to be patient. "

The key next step will be for Ohtani to start throwing breaking balls, which means he could get close to a heads-up test. Since undergoing his second right elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery (Tommy John surgery) in September 2023, Ohtani has yet to practice his actual throwing. A tear in the lip of the left shoulder during last year's World Series further delayed the recovery process.