It’s been a long-time coming, but Shohei Ohtani’s highly-anticipated return to pitching might not be far away. The Japanese star took a big step to returning to the mound on Sunday when he delighted the crowd at Citi Field ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against the New York Mets, facing hitters for the first time in almost two years. Ohtani threw 22 pitches across five simulated plate appearances. It’s the first time he’s faced hitters since undergoing a procedure to repair the right ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow in September 2023. Since then, Ohtani has only featured with the bat and his two-way game – which made him a global superstar – has been thwarted. On Sunday, the three-time MVP threw mostly fastballs, cutters and sinkers with his fastball hovering around 94-95 mph and maxing out at 97 mph. “I am aware that I do throw a little harder when there is a hitter in the box,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton, per the MLB website. “I try to keep it 93-94, but I know I was touching ‘6 and ‘7s, which I wanted to not do. But it’s a good sign that I could hit that.” Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior said he was predominately happy with how Ohtani performed against live hitters. “He looks good. He looked healthy,” Prior said. “That’s always the main thing with facing hitters. That he feels confident, his endurance is good, he maintained his stuff. From that standpoint, it was good. Pitch movement-wise, it looked good, too.” Ohtani faced Dalton Rushing, Kim Hye-seong and LA’s game planning coach JT Watkins in the live session. It might still be a while before Ohtani returns fully to the mound, however, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts saying before the game that he likely wouldn’t be pitching for the team until after the All-Star break in mid-July: “He’s doing his first simulated game for two innings and in theory you got to build a starter up to five, six innings, and so just the natural progression, I just don’t see it being before that.” However, Sunday was a big step in that process and the three-time MVP was happy with his progress. “I haven’t thrown in a while, so it was nice to be able to feel like I was a pitcher,” Ohtani said. “I just kind of remembered those days when I used to have a lot of good memories as a pitcher.” Ohtani’s public workout was watched by a substantial on-looking crowd from the stands, as well as some Mets players, despite it being hours before the game. Although the Dodgers went onto lose 3-1 to the Mets – dropping their sixth game in the last nine – Ohtani maintained his good form with the bat, hitting his 18th home run of the season to keep him tied atop the 2025 leaderboard in HRs with Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber.
Shohei Ohtani’s long-awaited return to pitching moves step closer as he faces hitters for first time in almost two years
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Shohei Ohtani Advances Toward Pitching Return After Facing Hitters for First Time in Nearly Two Years"
CNN
7.5
TruthLens AI Summary
Shohei Ohtani, the renowned Japanese baseball star, took a significant step towards his long-awaited return to pitching during a recent public workout at Citi Field. This marked his first time facing live hitters in nearly two years, following a procedure to repair his right ulnar collateral ligament in September 2023. Ohtani threw 22 pitches across five simulated plate appearances, showcasing an array of fastballs, cutters, and sinkers, with his fastball velocity reaching up to 97 mph. His performance was closely monitored by Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior, who expressed satisfaction with Ohtani's health and endurance during the session. Ohtani himself noted that he felt the adrenaline of facing hitters again, which contributed to his increased velocity, while also expressing a desire to maintain control and avoid overexertion. The session was a promising sign for Ohtani, as he aims to return to his dual-role as a pitcher and hitter, a combination that has significantly contributed to his status as a global baseball icon.
Despite the positive progress in his pitching recovery, Ohtani's full return to the mound is still projected to be several months away. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that Ohtani would likely not pitch competitively until after the All-Star break in mid-July, emphasizing the need for a gradual build-up to ensure his readiness. While the Dodgers faced defeat against the Mets in their game, Ohtani continued to excel at the plate, hitting his 18th home run of the season, which keeps him in contention for the home run leaderboard alongside Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber. The public workout drew significant attention, with a notable crowd in attendance, reflecting Ohtani's status and the excitement surrounding his potential return to pitching. As he moves forward in his rehabilitation process, Ohtani's performance remains a focal point for both fans and the Dodgers organization, highlighting the anticipation of his complete recovery and return to form on the field.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Shohei Ohtani’s recent step towards returning to pitching has garnered significant attention, particularly given the high expectations surrounding the athlete. The report highlights Ohtani's simulated game, where he faced live hitters for the first time in nearly two years, following an elbow surgery. This moment is pivotal not only for Ohtani’s career but also for the teams and fans invested in his performance.
Purpose of the Report
The article aims to showcase Ohtani's progress and the excitement surrounding his potential return to a two-way playing role. By emphasizing the positive feedback from both Ohtani and Dodgers coaching staff, the report seeks to reassure fans and stakeholders that Ohtani is on track for a comeback, thereby maintaining and potentially enhancing his marketability.
Public Perception
The narrative crafted in this report encourages a positive perception of Ohtani's health and readiness to pitch again. It aims to instill hope among fans who have missed seeing him perform both as a pitcher and batter. The language used suggests optimism and advancement, likely intending to generate excitement within the baseball community.
Information Omission
There is no overt indication that the report is concealing significant information. However, it does not delve into the potential risks associated with Ohtani's return or the time frame for his full recovery, which could be seen as a strategic omission to maintain an upbeat tone about his prospects.
Manipulative Nature of the Article
While the article is primarily factual, the way it presents Ohtani's progress could be seen as slightly manipulative. It emphasizes positive outcomes and downplays the inherent uncertainties of sports injuries. The use of quotes from coaches and Ohtani himself serves to validate the optimism expressed, which might skew public perception favorably without addressing possible setbacks.
Comparative Analysis
When comparing this report to others in the sports sector, it aligns with a trend of focusing on athlete comebacks and their impact on team dynamics and fan engagement. Other reports may cover broader implications, such as team performance or financial impacts, which could provide a more holistic view of the situation.
Image within the Industry
The media portrayal of Ohtani contributes positively to the image of the MLB as a league that celebrates talent and resilience. Ohtani’s unique skill set as a two-way player continues to attract global attention, and coverage like this enhances the narrative of the league as a platform for extraordinary talent.
Potential Societal and Economic Impact
Ohtani’s return could have significant implications for ticket sales, merchandise, and overall fan engagement, particularly if his performance aligns with expectations. A successful comeback could revitalize interest in the Dodgers and contribute to the league’s economic health.
Target Audience
The report is likely aimed at baseball fans, sports analysts, and potential investors interested in the MLB’s rising stars. By focusing on Ohtani, the article seeks to engage those who appreciate excellence in sports and the drama of athlete recoveries.
Impact on Financial Markets
Ohtani's performance and health status can sway the stock prices of MLB franchises and related businesses. His presence on the field is likely to enhance viewing figures, which, in turn, can drive up revenues for the league and its affiliates.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the article itself does not directly address geopolitical issues, Ohtani’s status as a Japanese athlete in the U.S. contributes to cultural exchange and international interest in baseball, reflecting broader trends in global sports engagement.
AI Involvement
It is unlikely that AI was directly involved in the creation of the article, as the content appears to be derived from standard sports reporting practices. However, AI could be used in the analysis of player performance data referenced in such articles, influencing the narrative around Ohtani's capabilities.
The overall reliability of this news piece is high, as it is based on observable events and credible sources like coaches and the athlete himself. However, the optimistic framing does warrant a discerning approach from readers.