Foreign media reported that Shohei Ohtani (30, LA Dodgers) had only played catch, but had already shot 140km.
Japanese media, including Nikkan Sports and Sports Hochi, reported on the 24th, “Ohtani, who is constantly rehabilitating, played catch about 30 meters on the flatland on the day (24th Korean time). And the team staff measured the speed of the ball thrown from the distance from the mound to the catcher, and it came out 87 miles (about 140 kilometers).”
Ohtani underwent elbow surgery in September last year. Due to the aftermath of elbow surgery, Ohtani has not taken the mound as a pitcher this season, but is concentrating on hitting batters. He seems to be in the process of rehabilitation very smoothly.
Ohtani is expected to serve as both a pitcher and a batter again next season. Nez Valero, Ohtani’s agent, recently said that his preparation to play as both a pitcher and a batter in the 2025 season is going smoothly. 밤알바
Attention is now focusing on whether Ohtani will start the opening game in Japan next season. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will have a showdown at the Major League Baseball`s opening game on March 18 and 19 next year. If Ohtani completes his rehabilitation well as planned, he can sufficiently start the opening game. Furthermore, it is symbolic because it is an opening game in Japan.
“While playing catch on the day, Otani threw the ball from a distance of over 30 meters. Notably, he made a loud noise at the end of the catch and threw the ball strongly. It seemed certain that he had increased his intensity compared to the training he had done so far,” Nikkan Sports said.
Another media outlet, Sports Hochi, also said, “Otani threw the ball with all his might to the point where he made a shout while playing catch. At the end, I sprayed the ball strongly from a distance between the pitcher and the catcher, but there was an occasional shout. I have never pitched a bullpen since elbow surgery last year, but it seems that the ball was about 140km away on the day.”
When asked about the elbow conditions he can throw as a pitcher, Ohtani said, “I’m currently rehabilitating. I think the first thing that matters is to be able to throw the ball properly.” “I think the best scenario is to gain confidence while welcoming the spring camp in (normal) elbow conditions. Of course, I don’t think it is necessary to aim to start the season. Still, I want to be in that physical condition for the opening game,” Ohtani said, expressing strong enthusiasm.