Ohtani can't see the pitcher until May, insists on playing, and I'll stop him. Roberts' pitching rehabilitation is still in progress
Jan 06, 2025
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Manager Dave Roberts said in a meeting with former Nippon Ham Fighters Hideki Kuriyama released through Japanese media Sports Hochi on the 6th (Korea time) "We will not start Ohtani as a pitcher until May." Kuriyama was the coach when Ohtani was at Nippon Ham.
This is not the first time Roberts has said he will carefully return Ohtani to the mound. Regarding Ohtani's postseason appearance at the end of last year's regular season, he said, `I will open up the possibility,' but when the time approached, he defended himself, saying, `Ohtani will not take the mound this fall.'
Ohtani then injured his left shoulder while stealing second base in Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium and eventually underwent surgery after winning the championship. "It is difficult for Ohtani to play in the opening game in Tokyo next year." he said.
In announcing Ohtani's pitching plan for this year against former coach Guriamya, Roberts said, `Ohtani will also play as a pitcher this year. But I don't plan to let him throw until May. "Otani has never thrown in all year. Last year, he threw no games from March to October. You have to think about the pitching innings he has to handle this year. I'm well aware of it myself."
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Ohtani underwent surgery on his right elbow for the second time in his career in September 2023. Despite the myth of 50 home runs and 50 steals last year, he seemed to be making the opening game against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo in March this year. However, he had no choice but to delay his return to the World Series after undergoing a rash suture surgery due to an injury to his left shoulder. It's not a throwing shoulder, but it was difficult to forcefully proceed with pitching rehabilitation.
However, Ohtani is said to be busy rehabilitating pitching even in the new year. On the day, a video and photo of Ohtani pitching in shorts were introduced on Twitter related to the Dodgers. Ohtani's offseason training seems harsher than any other year. It's because I'm also rehabilitating.
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He said "It was very difficult when Otani said he would run. When he went to New York for Game 3, he said no, but whenever he swung the bat in the batting cage, Ohtani wrapped his shoulders in a protective band. I said, 'Are you going to be okay? I think it's better to take a break, and he says 'I want to run no matter what.'" I would have blocked it if it was in the season, but it was the World Series. In addition, Freddie Freeman continued to play even though he hurt his ankle, so he said, `I'm going to play as well.'
It is said that Ohtani's desire to win was the same during his time at Nippon Ham. Roberts said, `I don't think Otani wants to rest. Coach Kuriyama coached him that way. I think I should say thank you"I expressed my appreciation.
Ohtani's last game as a pitcher was Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds at Angel Stadium on August 24, 2023. At that time, he was replaced complaining of pain in his right arm, and a month later, he underwent Tommy John surgery.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
