Mon May 26 02:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Shohei Ohtani took a significant step in his recovery from elbow surgery by facing live batters at Citi Field for the first time in nearly two years. He threw 22 pitches, reaching up to 97 mph, and showcased a variety of pitches, including fastballs, sinkers, and sweepers. While the Dodgers are encouraged by his progress, they emphasize a cautious and methodical approach to his return to pitching, recognizing the unique challenge of Ohtani’s dual role as a designated hitter and the need to protect his valuable bat. A decision on his next live batting practice will be made based on how he recovers, but a return to game pitching is not imminent.

**News Article:**

**Ohtani Reaches 97 MPH in Live Batting Practice, Pitching Return Still Distant**

**NEW YORK** – Shohei Ohtani offered baseball fans a glimpse of his future on Sunday at Citi Field, facing live hitters for the first time since undergoing elbow reconstruction surgery last September. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ designated hitter and reigning National League MVP threw 22 pitches, topping out at 97 mph, in a live batting practice session that was a significant milestone in his recovery.

Facing Dodgers utility man Hyeseong Kim, catcher Dalton Rushing, and coach J.T. Watkins, Ohtani showcased an arsenal of pitches, including four-seam fastballs, sinkers, cutters, and sweepers. The session marked his first time throwing to live batters since August 23, 2023, when he last pitched for the Los Angeles Angels.

“I’ve gotten so used to seeing him as a hitter,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “And so, to see him on the mound just solely as a pitcher, it was different and certainly exciting for all of us.”

While the Dodgers are encouraged by Ohtani’s progress, they are proceeding with caution. Pitching coach Mark Prior emphasized that a decision on his next live batting practice session will be made based on his recovery and that a return to pitching in games is not imminent.

“There’s no definitive anything,” Prior said. “It’s a process… he’s going to face hitters whether that’s five, six, seven [times], then we got to go through a progression and build him up into game endurance and stuff. But to say how many that is, I couldn’t tell you. I don’t know. But it’s going to be some time.”

Adding to the complexity is Ohtani’s continued role as the Dodgers’ designated hitter, where he’s currently leading the NL with 17 home runs and is batting .302 with a 1.040 OPS. The Dodgers are wary of any setback that could impact his offensive production.

Dodgers onlookers, including players, coaches, and front-office executives, watched intently as Ohtani took the mound. Kim even ripped a ground ball back to Ohtani, who smoothly fielded it and simulated a throw to first. He also struck out Watkins and Rushing.

“Everything looked real,” said Rushing. “It was getting on you, as it always has. Execution was there as well.”

While Ohtani’s recovery is progressing well, the Dodgers remain committed to a methodical approach, understanding the unique challenges of his two-way talent. With the Dodgers currently facing a rash of pitching injuries, the team is optimistic that he will return to his dual role, Prior added, “If it kind of works out as it should, he’s a top-end starter, Roberts said, and so that’s kind of all of our expectations.”

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