Shohei Ohtani is rewriting the rules of baseball—again. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way sensation proves that even major elbow surgery can’t keep him from being one of the game’s most dynamic players.
In his latest outing against the Houston Astros at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani kept his unique rehab journey rolling. He pitched in a major league game instead of the minors, showing off his elite skills on the mound and still delivering at the plate.
For baseball fans, this is a story you just can’t ignore. There’s something magnetic about watching Ohtani do things nobody else even attempts.
Ohtani’s Latest Milestone: A 31-Pitch Gem
Shohei Ohtani’s pitching return was highly anticipated after his UCL surgery in September 2023. He’s delivered, tossing 31 pitches over two clean innings—his highest pitch count of the season so far.
Ohtani looked efficient, landing 21 strikes in those 31 pitches. He struck out three, didn’t walk anyone, and allowed just one hit before getting a double play to end the threat.
He faced the minimum six batters across his two frames. Honestly, he made it look easy.
Dominance with Both Power and Precision
Ohtani’s fastball sat in the 98-100 mph range. He showed zero hesitation out there.
Mixing in a nasty breaking ball, he left Astros hitters guessing all night. Even while rehabbing, Ohtani still looks like one of the toughest pitchers to hit in the league.
He blends raw power with finesse, and hitters just can’t seem to square him up, no matter the count. It’s almost unfair.
Unorthodox Rehab in the Majors: Why It’s Working
Ohtani isn’t just historic for his two-way play—he’s also shaking up how players rehab. Most pitchers coming off major surgery work their way back in the minors, but Ohtani’s doing it right in the big leagues.
Why? Because his bat is simply too valuable to take out of the Dodgers’ lineup. Offensively, Ohtani keeps putting up MVP-level numbers.
The Dodgers clearly aren’t willing to sacrifice his hitting for the sake of a traditional pitching rehab. It’s a bold move, and so far, it’s working.
Rehab Success by the Numbers
In 2024, Ohtani has made four starts on the mound. He’s pitched six innings with a 1.50 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP.
He’s struck out six and walked just one, showing off sharp control and effectiveness, even in limited innings. Those numbers are eye-popping for someone coming back from surgery.
Building on Past Success: A Look Back at 2023
Before surgery, Ohtani had an impressive 2023 season with the Los Angeles Angels. He went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA over 132 innings.
That kind of performance, while also starring as a hitter, pretty much cemented his place among the league’s best pitchers. It’s wild to think about, honestly.
A Player Unlike Any Other
Ohtani isn’t just dominating headlines—he’s rewriting what’s possible in baseball. Coming back as a pitcher while still excelling at the plate? Almost nobody’s done that.
His story is about resilience, determination, and a level of talent that’s just rare. You have to wonder if we’ll ever see another like him.
What Ohtani’s Rehab Means for the Dodgers
The Dodgers are showing real trust by letting Ohtani rehab his way. They’re giving him space to pitch on his schedule while keeping him in the everyday lineup.
This approach maximizes his value to the team. Maybe it’ll even set a new standard for handling truly unique talents—if another Ohtani ever comes along.
Looking Ahead: Ohtani’s Future on the Mound
As Ohtani works his way back, fans and analysts are glued to every update. Everyone’s hoping not just for a full recovery, but maybe even something more—could he reach a new level as a two-way player?
Honestly, after everything we’ve already seen, it’s tough to bet against him. Ohtani’s 2024 season looks like it’ll be another wild ride in a career that already feels legendary.
Will he hit triple digits on the radar gun again? Or maybe keep crushing at the plate? Either way, Ohtani keeps pushing the limits of what anyone thought possible in baseball—and, honestly, it’s hard not to root for him.
Here is the source article for this story: Shohei Ohtani pitches two innings for second straight start: Dodgers star impresses with increased pitch count
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