"Shohei Ohtani's in a really good place" - Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes impressed with Japanese star's first bullpen session since surgery

Los Angeles Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes recently discussed Shohei Ohtani's pitching progress. Ohtani has not pitched since August 23, 2023, when he injured his elbow ligament.

Gomes spoke with MLB Network Radio concerning how Ohtani feels about taking the mound again in practice.

"He's feeling really good and going through this. There's some idea of having done a rehab like this in the past, so there's a comfort level there of what he's supposed to be feeling, and striking the balance of making sure his body feels good and getting the appropriate intensity. It feels like he's in a really good place right now."

Ohtani suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament, which often leads to Tommy John surgery. Throwing the ball is far more taxing on the UCL than swinging a bat. The recovery time for a hitter is much shorter than that of a pitcher/fielder after tearing the ligament.

For this reason, the Japanese international has mainly played as a designated hitter in the 2024 season. He is expected to resume pitching in 2025.

Shohei Ohtani joins 40-40 club, as Dodgers seal comeback to sink Rays

On Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers completed a memorable comeback over the Tampa Bay Rays. They returned from an 0-3 deficit to win the game 7-3. Starting pitcher Bobby Miller registered a quality outing as he struck out nine and allowed three runs.

Ohtani hit his 40th home run of the season in the bottom of the 9th, winning the game and joining the 40-40 club in the process. Shohei is only the sixth MLB player to record 40 homers and 40 stolen bases in the same season.

After clinching the series with a 3-1 win on Sunday, the Dodgers invite the Baltimore Orioles to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday. With impressive talent in both dugouts, this should be another entertaining series as both clubs aim to win their divisions.