Los Angeles superstar Shohai Otani faced a live hitter for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair his UCL in September 2023.
read more: Shohei ohtani completes his first live BP with the : this is how it went
Otani’s fastball sat at 95 mph, but according to the PISTING COACH MARK PRIOR it reached 97 mph.
Otani threw 22 pitches in five batters, to Heisen Kim, Dalton Rushing and ‘ game planning and communications coach JT Watkins. He threw two strikeouts, then one walk and one line drive from Kim to the right field.
Otani is not expected to return to rotation anytime soon, but facing live hitters is a big step towards returning to the two-way status of the governing NL MVP.
The have taken a careful approach with Ohatani’s thrown progression, and despite all the injuries in the starting rotation, they have not rushed him back to the mound.
As superstars can’t go to minor league rehabilitation assignments, Otani’s next step is probably to consistently play live batsmen.
More news: lineup vs. Mets: Hison Kimout, Michael Comfort Returns
Photo credit: Brett Davis-Immagn Image
Have you joined us? Mismatch Channel still? Be part of the ultimate Snation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time stories, call-in access to the dugout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, gifts and more!