The Los Angeles Dodgers made Shohei Ohtani one of the highest-paid MLB players ever just months after he underwent elbow surgery, which will prevent the two-way phenom from taking the mound in 2024. However, there is a clearer timetable now for when the perennial MLB MVP candidate can join the Dodgers rotation.
Ohtani, age 29, already underwent Tommy John surgery once during his MLB career. As a member of the Los Angeles Angels, he underwent surgery on Oct. 1, 2018. While there is a great track record in recent years for pitchers returning from TJS the first time, the likelihood of recapturing top form is far more uncertain after the second surgery.
- Shohei Ohtani hitting stats (career): .274/.366/.556, .922 OPS, 171 home runs in 701 games
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That’s why there was so much concern during the 2023 season when the Angels shut Ohtani down with elbow soreness. The two-time American League MVP later underwent elbow surgery in September, which clouded his future on the mound. Fortunately, everything seems to be going according to plan.
In an interview with Jay Cohen of the Associated Press, Dr. Neal ElAttrache revealed that Ohtani is scheduled to throw his first simulated game in the last week of September as long as he’s able to maintain his throwing program without setbacks. Notably, Ohtani’s surgeon also noted that the approximate date for his first simulated game would have some significance to baseball history.
“It just so happens that, if he goes along with the throwing program as we have it scheduled, he’ll be throwing his first simulated game the last week of September. Tommy John’s operation 50 years ago was September 25th, 1974. So Ohtani will be throwing his first sim game 50 years almost to the date of the first Tommy John, which is pretty wild.”
Dr. Neal ElAttrache on timeline for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani to pitch again (H/T AP)
- Shohei Ohtani pitching stats (2023): 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 167-55 K-BB in 132 innings pitched
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The Dodgers knew well in advance of signing Ohtani to a $700 million contract that he wouldn’t take the mound at Dodger Stadium this season. However, that sacrifice was worth the value he provided both as a hitter and for what he offered the club for marketing and ticket sales.
Over the last three seasons, Ohtani slashed .277/.379/.585 with a .964 OPS, 290 RBI, 124 home runs, 57 steals and 22 triples in 447 games. Even without pitching, he is one of the leading NL MVP candidates in 2024 and is responsible for Los Angeles having some of the highest World Series odds this year.
