Ohtani's last chance to play the opening game in Tokyo in good health, and now his speed is 70 miles
Dec 30, 2024
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Ohtani injured his left shoulder while sliding when stealing second base after walking in the bottom of the seventh inning in Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium on October 27 (Korea time). Ohtani, who has not performed much since then, eventually put a knife on his shoulder in November. It was an operation to suture a micro-tractured wasp.
With the right elbow Tommy John Surgery rehabilitation program virtually completed in September last year, the timing of his return as a pitcher has been delayed due to an injury to his left shoulder. As a result, it is expected that it will be difficult to join the rotation for two to three weeks at the beginning of next season. That's how manager Dave Roberts sees it. However, Ohtani's willingness to take the mound in the opening game seems clear. The Dodgers will hold the opening two consecutive games at the Chicago Cubs and Tokyo Dome on March 18-19 next year.
After being selected as the AP Men's Player of the Year on the 25th, Ohtani said in an exclusive interview with the media "It's a great honor. I think it's because of your hard work. I'll get this award next year, too"Living in Japan, I grew up watching Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. I saw their achievements and I saw how they succeeded in the United States."
He then said "I'm not able to move my shoulders perfectly yet. But it is much better. There is no pain. It's stiff but it's slowly and definitely getting better"The ultimate goal is to come back healthy. In order to do that, it is very important to move forward little by little. I'm going to raise the pace little by little."
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Ohtani said "We can do a five-man rotation with a bullpen game in mind, just like we did this year, or we can go to a six-man rotation. But it's all about the balance of relaxation and resilience. Aiming for the playoffs, the answer will come out. I need to be at my pace, too"Personally, my goal is to be perfectly healthy so that I can start the opening series. It's awesome if you throw and hit it all, but it's not something I can do as I please.'
Ohtani, who has already started rehab pitching, has been throwing about 70 miles recently, and it can be considered to be at the level of early training in the offseason.
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However, if Ohtani gives up his dual pitching job, it is expected to have a big impact on the Major League.
Former coach Brad Asmus, a former head coach of the Los Angeles Angels, praised Ohtani's ability. He recently told the AP, `It's never surprising if Otani makes 60 home runs, 60 steals and 20 wins in a season. Ohtani is the greatest player to ever play baseball. I don't know if there will be a player who can chase after that."
Asmus led the Angels for a year in 2019, Ohtani's second major league season.
Meanwhile, Ohtani announced on his Instagram on the 29th that he will become a father next year. He said "One little life soon becomes our family. I can't wait"I posted an ultrasound photo of my dog, Decoy, a small baby shoe, and my wife, Mamiko, with the message.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
