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Shohei Ohtani’s stellar season distracts from the fact that he hasn’t been on the mound since August of last year, but the Los Angeles Dodgers star is taking big steps in his return as a pitcher.
On Saturday, Ohtani threw from the mound for the first time since undergoing elbow surgery last September.
MLB @MLB
Shohei Ohtani last night, 40/40.
Today I’m throwing from a hill for the first time since my elbow surgery 👀 pic.twitter.com/jjQtSCqZkF
Dodger Nation @Dodgers Nation
Shohei Ohtani’s throwing rehabilitation is getting better every day.
One day later this man is 40-40 and his only thought is to get back in top shape 🐐
pic.twitter.com/gJh7thgsVc
In his final pitching season in 2023, Ohtani had 167 strikeouts, a 3.14 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in 23 appearances for a record of 10-5. He last appeared on the mound in August 2023 and underwent surgery to repair a torn UCL shortly thereafter.
He is expected to pitch again in 2025, but in the meantime he was an electrifying hitter in his first season with the Dodgers.
He has the second-most home runs in the major leagues with 40, along with 92 RBIs and a .292 batting average. On Friday, he became a member of the coveted 40-40 club when he hit his 40th stolen base and 40th home run, which was a walk-off grand slam.
Ohtani has long since surpassed his career high in steals and is now just six home runs away from his career high in home runs. With more than 30 games left to play this year, Ohtani will only continue to improve on his already impressive numbers.
In the not too distant future, Ohtani will shine both on the mound and at the plate.