DENVER – A thumbs-up from Shohei Ohtani left Dodgers manager Dave Roberts grinning on Tuesday.
After Ohtani threw a 35-pitch bullpen, Roberts asked the right-hander how it went. Ohtani’s quick response was good news. And word that Ohtani could soon begin throwing live batting practice was even better news.
“I could see the next step being him pitching live,” Roberts said, but there is no timetable yet as to when Ohtani would start in a big league game again.
Ohtani has been dealing with left knee inflammation since June 11, and he hasn’t pitched in a game since July 3. He’s continued to shine as Los Angeles’ designated hitter and is making a run at NL MVP. He blasted two home runs in the Dodgers’ 11-5 win over the Rockies on Monday night at Coors Field and he entered Tuesday night’s game with 29 home runs and 78 RBIs.
In 14 starts, Ohtani has a 1.79 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP with 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings pitched.