Shohei Ohtani is back to training for his new side the Los Angeles Dodgers after going through surgery last season. Shohei Ohtani’s previous season ended early due to an injury and he had to go through Tommy John Surgery after tearing a ligament in his elbow.
His season was cut short after completing elbow surgery and got limited to Designated hitter duty for the upcoming season. Despite struggling with the injuries Ohtani had his first bullpen practice with the Dodgers on Monday.
According to reports, Ohtani swung at 21 pitches and hit 10 of them over the fence which is almost half of the delivered pitches in his first outside hitting work of spring training.
“I was planning … to swing on the lighter side,” Ohtani told reporters Monday through an interpreter. “But I felt like the swings were feeling really good, which is a really good sign. I think it’s trending towards me being ready for Opening Day.” Ohtani said
Wow, Shohei. 😳 pic.twitter.com/ifYb2cHVzY
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 12, 2024
Ohtani is one of the most valuable players for not only the Dodgers but also the entire MLB. Ohtani opened up on his injury after making the historic Dogders move
“It was my first time hitting outside ever since I got that oblique injury, so I was being a little careful, but, overall, I felt really good. All the swings I’m taking in the cages feel good and strong, so I think we’re past the oblique injury.”
"It was my first time hitting outside ever since I got that oblique injury, so I was being a little careful but overall I felt really good. All the swings I'm taking in the cages feel good and strong, so I think we're past the oblique injury." Shohei Ohtani on his oblique. pic.twitter.com/ZMu16FM4XF
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) February 13, 2024
Shohei Ohtani has been simply amazing since making his debut in the MLB in 2018 after making a move across the Pacific.
Fans react to Shohei Ohtani coming back to training
Ohtani has been a fan favorite since his debut in the MLB. He is a great pitcher and an equally excellent hitter, making him a priceless player for any team he lays for
“hes gonna break bonds’ record” one fan wrote on X (previously Twitter)
hes gonna break bonds' record
— JC (@jcwrld05) February 12, 2024
“Just hope he doesn’t break anything in practice.” Another fan replied.
Just hope he doesn’t break anything in practice.
— The El (@ElSethero) February 13, 2024
“This is the craziest angle–it looks like he’s launching rockets. The typical broadcast angles don’t enable you to appreciate a world class hitter in this way.” a Twitter user commented
This is the craziest angle–it looks like he's launching rockets. The typical broadcast angles don't enable you to appreciate a world class hitter in this way.
— K M (@BayesianNuance) February 12, 2024
Ohtani’s return is a massive boost for the Dodgers and their fans will be hoping to get Ohtani back to his full potential soon.
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