Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts heads to the batsman the night before the shoe hei hei for the first time since the elbow surgery in September 2023.
Otani is to pitch batting practice before the Sunday night series finale against the New York Mets.
“He played his first simulating game in two innings and in theory he had to build a starter of up to five or six innings,” Roberts said. “And just natural progression, I haven’t seen it before.”
Roberts wouldn’t have ruled out Otani, who will be appearing in minor league injury rehabilitation. The pitcher who usually returns from ligament repair in the elbow makes some minor league start in the final stages of his recovery. However, Otani is one of the top batters in the major leagues, so the champion Dodgers of the Defending World Series don’t want to lose their bats in any game.
Minor league teams will be off on Monday and leave on Thursday, June 12th. On the only day of next month, Otani will be able to pitch to minors while the Dodgers are off.
“I think anything should be on the table,” Roberts said before Saturday night’s 5-2 defeat.
“It’s not going to be a start to five minor leagues. I know that,” explained Roberts. “I think this is a truly unique situation, so there’s no blueprint of sorts. So I’m going to do this live session. I can’t even talk about whether it’s going to be up or down, and I can see what next week will bring.
Heason Kim and Dalton Rushing are among the most likely batters to hit against Otani.
“It’s a big step to ride a batsman heading for the mound. Of course, there are a lot of expectations, but I think he’s really looking forward to it,” Roberts said. “I’m looking for command. I just want him to get through it healthy and not be willing to reach the next step.”
Otani had right elbow surgery on September 19, 2023. He returned as a batsman last year after signing a 10-year contract with the $700 million Dodgers as a free agent, winning his third MVP award for hitting .310 on 54 Homer, 130 RBI and 59 stolen bases.
After shoulder surgery on November 4th, after repairing a lip tear during the World Series, Otani threw four bullpen sessions in spring training on February 15-25th, then prepared for the opening day as a batter. He resumed the bullpen on March 29th.
“Up to this point, I think he’s checked all the boxes,” Roberts said. “You’re really talking about adding speed – I think it’s softened or controlled right now. You’re talking about throwing sliders at batters. He only did it in the bullpen.
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