Dave Roberts on Shohei Ohtani: "There's a good chance next series we'll see him”
Shohei Ohtani’s physical condition has Dodgers fans concerned ahead of the playoffs.
There is some concern among fans about how much time Shohei Ohtani will need to recover before finally returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers , who have already clinched a playoff spot and are looking to reach their third consecutive World Series .
Fortunately for the Dodgers , the Japanese superstar’s return is getting closer after taking another positive step in his offensive recovery, meaning he could be back as soon as the start of the next series against the San Diego Padres .
What did Dave Roberts say about Shohei Ohtani?
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani (right biceps and left knee issues) continues to make positive progress and is getting closer to returning to action. The Japanese star could be activated from the 15-day injured list during the Dodgers ’ upcoming series.
There's a good chance next series we'll see him
Roberts said after Los Angeles’ 10-4 win over the Giants at Dodger Stadium.
Ohtani was placed on the injured list retroactive to September 8 , making him eligible to return Wednesday, in the second game of the Dodgers’ final regular-season home series against the San Diego Padres . His return will only be as a hitter, as the Dodgers have paused his pitching activities for now.
The Japanese star has already begun regaining his timing at the plate. After starting his offensive progression program on Tuesday, Ohtani took the next step by facing pitches from the Trajekt machine, a device that simulates facing real pitchers. According to Roberts, Ohtani felt good after taking 30 to 40 swings on Saturday and also worked on running the bases during batting practice.
A quick recovery before the playoffs
If Ohtani returns on Wednesday, when he becomes eligible to come off the injured list, he will have only five regular-season games to regain his rhythm, find his timing again, and readjust to the intensity of Major League Baseball before the postseason begins .
For that reason, Dave Roberts plans to put him in the lineup for every available game, as the Japanese star needs to accumulate live at-bats to rebuild confidence and be in better shape for the most important part of the year.
Ohtani will also not have a Minor League rehab assignment, as the Triple-A regular season ends Sunday and the Dodgers do not have additional pitchers available to conduct live batting practice sessions.
