Shohei Ohtani's first actual combat throw after surgery Dodge cautiously pushed forward with the rehabilitation program

The Dodgers have been cautious in their approach to Shohei Ohtani's pitcher rehabilitation, and now they are approaching a critical juncture. Head coach Dave Roberts announced today that the second-time superstar will be in hands-on shooting ahead of tomorrow's game against the Mets — the first time Ohtani has faced a batter since undergoing surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament on his right elbow in September 2023. Cleft lip surgery on the left shoulder last November delayed offseason training and prompted a cautious approach.

The Dodgers insisted that Ohtani must fully recover all of his balls before he could enter the actual phase. At Dodgers Field Bullpen practice on Wednesday, he made his first mixed slide and curveball to mark a major breakthrough. There is no precedent for the rehabilitation process (except for the right elbow surgery experience in 2018), which requires close communication between Ohtani himself, the coaching staff and the medical team.

"The quality of the ball was outstanding, the 94-95 mph was easy to shoot and the overall condition was great," Roberts revealed, "but we're more looking forward to seeing how it performs from the hitter's perspective." When to improve the game and speed is entirely up to him and the medical team. Since the start of the season, Ohtani has followed a twice-weekly cattle barn rhythm: light midweek training with high-intensity pitching on Saturdays, most recently completing a 50-ball simulated innings. Although there is no timetable for the return of Major League Pitcher Mound, it is generally expected after the All-Star break.

Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations, recently admitted, "You have to be extra cautious after left shoulder surgery and don't rush to increase the intensity until you're fully recovered." Given his injury history, it is unrealistic to expect him to remain on two fronts throughout the entire process. The Dodgers plan to skip the traditional minor league rehab phase and gradually increase the intensity with simulated games in a move designed to maximize their attendance as a designated hit, which he has contributed 19 hits and 1.024 attack index this season.

"Ohtani is extremely sensitive to his body," Roberts said, "and we are open to situations where pitching load affects strikes in the future." If he feels tired on a Saturday, he may choose to take a truce. As the actual shooting unfolds, the medical team will gain access to key data that will further calibrate the comeback path of one of the most unique talents in baseball history. In the breathless anticipation of Angel City fans, the legend of the second knife is gradually regaining the pair of game-changing gloves and bats in a scientific and personalized way.