As the second half of the MLB season unfolds, the spotlight in Los Angeles once again focuses on one name: Shohei Ohtani. With his return to the mound this season, Dodgers games have transcended mere competition. Now, each of his outings is an event and every update on his status becomes news. The anticipation revolves around when he will pitch again and how he will perform.
However, despite Ohtani’s stellar numbers at the plate and the Dodgers’ notable absences in the starting rotation, the team has maintained a cautious strategy with its ace on the mound. Manager Dave Roberts has spoken out, offering a detailed timeline revealing an approach for Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching action, revealing clues about the team’s long-term vision.
Roberts has a plan
Dave Roberts has confirmed the next step in Ohtani’s roadmap: his next start will be Monday night against the Twins. For this occasion, Ohtani will have a new partner: Dustin May. “On Monday, Shohei will be supported by Dustin. Dustin has done it before, so it really won’t be a big deal for him. And yeah, that’s how it’s going to be… I just think right now and again, this is a one-off and probably next time it won’t be Dustin, and so it will build around Shohei as he also continues to increase his workload,” Roberts shared at a press conference.
This supportive approach is not new for Ohtani, as in his first five starts, he shared the mound with Ben Casparius and Emmet Sheehan, who have now found their own roles in the bullpen and starting rotation. Although Ohtani’s last outing before the All-Star break saw him throw three innings and 36 pitches, the Dodgers continue to be cautious. According to Roberts, Ohtani will likely pitch only three innings on Monday, “with the plan to gradually increase to four in the next two appearances”.
A player for the future
The Dodgers’ persistent caution with Ohtani, even with the starting rotation decimated, might seem contradictory. However, Roberts offered a clue as to the team’s broader vision and another player’s new role. “Roki Sasaki is fine. He worked during the All-Star break,” said Roberts, referring to the Japanese pitcher with whom the Dodgers have high hopes of bringing in the future. “Everything I hear has been positive. So hopefully we can continue to build him up and face some hitters, and get him back competing.”
The Dodgers moved Sasaki to the 60-day injured list in June after his throwing program was halted. According to reports, he began throwing again in late June after receiving a cortisone injection to relieve the pain. He recently completed a bullpen session last week and was scheduled to throw another one on Monday. Therefore, his return is projected for next month.
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