Shohei Ohtani resumes throwing, boosting hopes for pitching return and MVP bid

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has taken a significant step in his recovery, resuming throwing after being sidelined from pitching since July 3rd due to left knee discomfort and right biceps tightness. Ohtani was observed engaging in throwing drills before the Dodgers' game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

According to MLB.com Dodgers beat reporter Sonja Chen, Ohtani began his throwing session with plyometric ball exercises in the visiting bullpen. He then proceeded to a 90-foot (approximately 27 meters) catch session on the field. This marks the first time Ohtani has been seen throwing since his bullpen session in Philadelphia on July 22nd.

With Ohtani now back on the throwing program, his rehabilitation timeline is becoming clearer. Chen reported that Ohtani will spend the next few days gradually increasing his throwing distance. Once he can throw at longer distances, he will progress to bullpen sessions, followed by live batting practice, before eventually returning to a Major League Baseball game. The exact duration of this process remains uncertain.

Ideally, Ohtani aims to return to the pitcher's mound in early to mid-September, which would allow him sufficient time to build up his pitch count. The Dodgers might utilize him as an opening pitcher upon his return in the regular season and potentially adopt a similar strategy in the postseason. However, Ohtani's MVP aspirations are under pressure. While still a strong contender for the National League MVP award, Chicago Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong is emerging as a significant challenger. If Ohtani cannot return to pitching, Crow-Armstrong, whose fWAR (wins above replacement) has surpassed Ohtani's, could potentially take the MVP title.

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Currently, it is unclear how long the entire process will take. Ideally, Ohtani hopes to return to the pitcher's mound at some point in early to mid-September, which would allow him more time to gradually increase his pitching volume.