Ohtani Resumes Throwing Practice, MLB.com Suggests 'Opener' Role Upon Return

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has taken a significant step towards his pitching return by resuming light catch-play sessions. This marks the first time the two-way phenom has thrown a baseball since undergoing bullpen sessions in Philadelphia on April 23, following a month-long hiatus from the mound due to left knee pain.

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I'm getting better day by day, but it's hard to say what the schedule will be like right now. I want to make sure I'm going in the right direction rather than rushing things. Taking the proper steps is important.

Ohtani last appeared in a game on April 4 against the San Diego Padres. While sidelined from pitching, he has remained a potent force in the Dodgers' lineup, recently hitting multiple home runs in a game against the Chicago Cubs. Despite his continued success as a hitter, Ohtani has expressed a cautious approach to his return, emphasizing the importance of following the correct steps rather than rushing the process.

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Ohtani will first need to gradually increase his throwing distance and pitching volume. Once he enters the long toss phase, he can begin bullpen sessions. After completing bullpen sessions, he will engage in live batting practice facing hitters before returning to a game.

MLB.com reports that Ohtani's rehabilitation program will involve gradually increasing throwing distance, followed by long toss and bullpen sessions. The next phase will include facing hitters in simulated games before he can be cleared for a full return to the mound. The timeline for this process remains uncertain, with comparisons drawn to his lengthy recovery from a second elbow surgery last year, which saw him spend several months in the bullpen phase alone.

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It remains unclear how much time this process will take. Last year, Ohtani spent several months in the bullpen phase alone during his rehabilitation from a second elbow surgery.

Given the extended layoff and the nature of his recovery, MLB.com speculates that Ohtani might be utilized as an "opener", a pitcher who starts a game but is expected to pitch only a limited number of innings, rather than a traditional starting pitcher upon his return. This strategy could also extend to the postseason. The Dodgers are currently unable to finalize specific plans for his pitching role until he progresses further in his throwing program, but his recent catch-play activity is seen as a crucial first step back.

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In the regular season, Ohtani is more likely to be used as an 'opener' who pitches multiple innings rather than a full starter. This approach could also be adopted in the postseason.